Greco antico, Asia Minore occidentale Argento hemitetartmorion (Senza Prezzo di Riserva)

A fine ancient Greek, small, silver coin minted in western Asia Minor, and known as a hemitetartmorion. The obverse features a stylised horned quadruped, depicted standing and facing left, with a pellet-in-crescent motif in the top field above the animal’s back. The reverse displays a monogrammatic design.

Please note that this is a very small coin, measurements have been provided below.

The hemitetartemorion was the smallest known denomination of ancient Greek silver coinage circulated during the Archaic and Classical period (circa 6th-4th Century BC). Its name, combining the words ‘hemi’ and ‘tetartemorion’, means ‘half of a quarter part’ (of an obol, which is a sixth of a drachm). Due to the tiny size, these coins were difficult to be handled and might have served for very small everyday transactions or ceremonial uses. Many hemitetartemoria were issued in Asia Minor, especially in Ionia and Lydia, and they often featured simple yet finely detailed designs such as zoomorphic heads or symbols.

Diameter: 0.6cm

Weight: 0.1g

Provenance: From an early 20th century hoard discovered in the famous Baldwin’s basement collection.

N.B. Delivery may be longer due to the busier period and we do not guarantee delivery before Christmas. Items paid for after the 19th December will be shipped after the New Year (week commencing on the 5th January 2026). **There will be an additional fee incurred for returned shipments due to buyer’s non-response to customs enquiries and/or unsuccessful delivery attempts.**