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LORBER, CATHARINE C, Amphipolis: The Civic Coinage in Silver and Gold, Numismatic Fine Arts, Los Angeles, 1990

The only and definitive work on Amphipolis that gives detailed description of the coins and the models used for their designs, as well as photographs of nearly all extant examples. The rare facing head tetradrachms of Amphipolis are among the most beautiful of Greek coins, yet the series has never been adequately published. All known specimens are brought together here for the first time, fully documented, with each die illustrated. Close study of the style and epigraphy established that the series was a compact one, consisting of several annual emissions. The silver minors and two gold issues fall into place within this frame work. The opening chapter traces the history of Amphipolis to the mid-fourth century, describing its religious and artistic traditions, as well as the results of recent archeological excavations at the city site. Placed in its historical context, the coinage of Amphipolis emerges as strongly influenced by military and political events, including the obscure rivalries of local political factions. The technical, symbolic, and artistic aspects of this evocative coinage are also explored in depth. Hoard evidence suggest that the coinage of Amphipolis continued to be struck for several years after the city fell to Philip of Macedon in 357 B.C. This finding leads to a reappraisal of the chronology of Philip's royal coinage and to a survey of contemporary northern civic coinages, with particular attention to the questions surrounding their cessation. Important chronological revisions are proposed for the coinages of Philippi, Abdera, Maroneia, and the Chalcidian League. Like all die studies, Amphipolis will become a standard reference in numismatic libraries, to be cited for years to come. Because it addresses broader numismatic issues and challenges received opinions, it is also a book to be read and discussed by collectors and scholars alike. 196 pages, 31 plates. New. Catherine C. Lorber is a professional numismatist who has worked in the coin trade for more than fifteen years. In preparation of this study she was privileged to draw upon an unpublished catalogue by the German scholar Willy Schwabacher, of the Swedish Royal Coin Cabinet