The numismatic circulation of the cities of Chalcidice, the Chalcidic League, and the Bottiaeans in the kingdom of Macedonia during the 5th and 4th centuries BC

Abstract

In this article the presence of coins from the mints of the Chalcidice within the boundaries of the Macedonian kingdom is examined. Along with coin hoards, we include archaeological material from various sites to understand and interpret the existence of coins of the cities of Chalcidice, the Chalcidic League, and the Bottiaeans within the Macedonian kingdom. After the final conclusions, a group of bronze coins from the excavations of Pella is published as an appendix. Coins from mints of the Chalcidice that have been found in the Macedonian kingdom are few. So far, most coins (37) can be attributed to the Chalcidic League, another 3 to the Bottiaeans, and 4 to the Chalcidic League or the Bottiaeans. Second comes Acanthus with 16 coins, and third Potidaia with 12. Further, 7 coins can be attributed to Aphytis, 5 to Mende, 4 to Scione and 1-2 issues to Aineia, Dikaia and possibly Sermyle. Finally, Ouranopolis is represented with 3 coins. Most of these coins came to light in excavations in burial and non-burial contexts, and some also were buried in coin hoards. The earliest of these issues are dated in the first half of the 5th century BC. The number of coins rises slightly in the second half of the 5th century coins, while most of the numismatic material belongs to the first half of the 4th century BC. Finally, rather few are the coins of the second half of the 4th century BC. Most of the coins and coin hoards of the first half of the 4th century BC can probably be linked to the invasion of the army of the Chalcidic League into Macedonia. People traveling from Chalcidice to Macedonia are another source.