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May Drachma
90 - 57 BCE
Silver
26 mm
Original
Audio guide
Description
This silver drachm, minted in the 1st century BCE, is associated with the village of “May” and belongs to the traditions of Hellenistic coinage. Drachms were widely used in trade, international exchange, and domestic economic circulation, serving as one of the principal instruments of commerce. The coin typically features the ruler’s portrait, divine symbols, or political slogans, reflecting the unity of art and authority. Measuring 26 mm in diameter, it demonstrates the advanced metallurgical techniques, minting style, and epigraphic decoration of its era. The “May” drachm is a valuable source for studying the economic system, Hellenistic art, and political history of the ancient world, offering insights into trade routes, currency systems, and cultural interactions of the pre-Christian period.