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This modern replica of an ancient coin from Corcyra (modern-day Corfu) reflects the unique numismatic traditions of the 6th century BCE, a period when the island was a thriving maritime power in the Ionian Sea. The obverse features an incuse square divided into four sections, a hallmark of early Greek coinage that likely served both a practical purpose—ensuring the coin’s weight and authenticity—and a symbolic one, possibly representing the city’s structured governance or its four main districts. Corcyra, founded as a colony of Corinth, was a key player in early Greek trade networks, often mediating between the western colonies and the Greek mainland during the Archaic period, a time of growing cultural exchange and rivalry, as seen in its later conflicts with Corinth leading up to the Peloponnesian War. The reverse showcases a bull with its head turned back, a common motif in Corcyra’s coinage that symbolized strength and agricultural prosperity, reflecting the island’s fertile lands and its reliance on farming alongside maritime trade. The inscription “ΚΟΡΚΥΡΑ” (Korkyra) encircles the design, proudly declaring the coin’s origin and tying it to the city’s identity as a significant naval power in the ancient world. The bull also held religious significance, often associated with offerings to deities like Poseidon, the god of the sea, whom Corcyra honored due to its seafaring culture. This novodel piece, while not an original artifact, offers collectors a tangible connection to the early history of Greek coinage and the strategic importance of Corcyra in the ancient Mediterranean, making it a valuable addition for enthusiasts of Archaic numismatics.

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