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Description:

These silver coins were minted during the 5th to 4th century BC in the city of Mesembria, which was located on the Thracian west coast of the Black Sea. The Dorians, from the city of Megara in Southern Greece, founded Mesembria in the 6th century BC and it grew to become a very important trading center. In 424 BC, Mesembria joined the Delian League, which was formed under the leadership of Athens for the purpose of fighting the Persian Empire. The city began minting coins in the 5th century BC.
The reverse side of these diobol coins (meaning 2 obols) shows a radiate wheel with META in the 4 quarters, symbolizing “after” or “beyond.” The obverse side features the famous Greek crested Corinthian helmet, which was often depicted in Greek art. Ancient Greek warriors fought as a unit known as a phalanx. They grouped themselves together tightly, using their shields and Corinthian helmets to protect themselves. Soldiers carried a long spear and in formation they would march forward and slam into their opponents. Alexander the Great perfected the use of the phalanx in his conquest of the Persian Empire in the 4th century BC.
The ancient city of Mesembria is now known as Nesebar "Pearl of the Black Sea." Remnants from this historic time can still be seen today in the ruins of the agora (town center), the acropolis and a Temple of Apollo.