Coin: Stater or Drachm, Thebes

This Greek coin is a silver Stater or Drachm from Thebes in the ancient Boeotia region of Greece. It was struck mid-6th to early 5th century BCE. The obverse shows a Boeotian shield. This shield is used on all coins struck in Boeotia and may refer to the worship of Athena Itonia, Greek goddess of wisdom, war, and peace. It could also refer to Ares, Greek god of war. The hero Cadmus the Phoenician came to the area and slew the dragon guarding the fountain of Ares. Here he sowed its teeth to raise a race of warriors. The city was first called Cadmea after him, but the name was later changed to Thebes after the nymph Thebe. The reverse is an incuse square (punch mark) with a mill-sail pattern.