Orreskioi Octadrachm Coin Replica – Herdsman with Bulls (c. 479–465 BC)

This replica is based on the Orreskioi Octadrachm, an impressive silver coin struck by the Thraco-Macedonian tribes of northern Greece during the Archaic Period, around 479–465 BC. These large coins are among the earliest high-value silver issues in ancient Europe.

Obverse:
The design shows a herdsman (often linked to Hermes or a local tribal hero) walking to the right and guiding two powerful bulls. This imagery symbolizes wealth, agriculture, and prosperity, the foundation of life for the tribes of the region. In myth, Hermes was protector of herds and travelers, and the scene also reflects the importance of cattle in early Macedonian society.

Reverse:
The reverse features a deep quadripartite incuse square, a hallmark of early Greek coinage before detailed reverse designs became common. This punch mark was created when the blank was struck, certifying its value and authenticity.

Historical Context:
These coins were minted in the Thraco-Macedonian region, an area rich in silver mines that supplied early Greek commerce. The period around 479–465 BC followed the Greco-Persian Wars, when northern Greek tribes regained independence and economic strength. The tribes used their silver resources to create large coins like this octadrachm, which circulated widely through trade networks connecting Thrace, Macedonia, and classical Greece.