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Euboea, second largest of the Greek islands (after Crete), earned its name in ancient times as the “land of the well-fed oxen.” Although the geography varies from the mountainous center to the relatively barren south, the northern region of the island comprises vast fertile plains, described by Homer as “rich in vines.” At the Euripus Strait - famous for extremely rapid tidal flows and vortex formations – the island lies only a mere 160 m away from Boeotia, mainland Greece. Overlooking this strategic spot was situated the ancient city of Histiaea.
Much of Histiaean history involves conflict with and among her Grecian neighbors. In mid 5th-century BC, the city was conquered by Athenians, who expelled the inhabitants and rebuilt a colony nearby, naming it Oreus. Following the Peloponnesian War, the Histiaeans reclaimed and re-established their city (which thereafter was known by both names). Afterwards, control vacillated between Sparta and Athens, and for a period of time, the city was even part of an Euboean League. In mid 4th century BC, Philip II and Macedonia took control of the region. Some decades later, Histiaea managed to shake off Macedonian rule and expel the ruling tyrant at the time, Philiarides.
In 313 BC, Histiaea, along with several other Euboean cities, declared themselves independent. This freedom only lasted a few decades; in the meantime, Histiaea celebrated her independence and produced exquisite coins, such as this tetrobol.
On the obverse is the bust of a beautiful female figure wearing an elaborate wreath comprised of vines and grapes. She is usually interpreted as the Nymph Histiaea, the city’s local goddess. An alternative and not necessarily contradictory view is that she is a Maenad, one the female followers of the wine-god Dionysus. The reverse of the coin also features a female figure (probably the same one as on the front), elegantly seated on the winged prow of a warship. She is holding a naval standard (another possibility is that it is a Maenad’s thyrsus). Under the ship is a curious geometric pattern, attributed as an aphlaston (also called an aplustre). The aphlaston was an important component of ancient Greek warships. A fan-shaped ornament, spreading off from the stern, it was typically crafted in the form of bird feathers or multiple beaks facing inward. It was a characteristic feature of warships at the time, and was thought to impart magical powers of protection (considering the treacherous Euripus currents, any help would be appreciated).
No doubt the gifted Histiaean engraver’s intent was to highlight the city’s importance as a commercial and naval port. It is also conjectured that this coin was commemorating the banishment of the tyrant Philiarides from the island. In any case, the design is striking, and particularly well-executed on this coin, which received a Fine Style designation.
Coin Details: ISLE OF EUBOEA, HISTIAEA, c. 3rd – 2nd cent. BC, AR Tetrabol (15 mm, 2.33 g, 10h), NGC Grade: Ch AU, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 4/5, Fine Style, Obverse: Head of Nymph Histiaea (or Maenad), right, wearing wreath of vines and grapes, Reverse: Nymph or Maenad seated right on prow, holding naval standard, wing on prow, aphlaston below, Referece: BCD Euboia 404 var. (entire ethnic in left field).