Bithynia. Kalchedon circa 376-340 BC. Hemidrachm AR

Bithynia, Kalchedon — AR Hemidrachm (circa 376–340 BC)

A silver hemidrachm struck at Kalchedon (modern Kadıköy, Turkey), located on the Asiatic side of the Bosporus.

Typical Design Features

Obverse:

Usually shows the forepart of a bull left, often on a grain ear, a symbol tied to agricultural prosperity.

Sometimes accompanied by monograms or symbols such as a pentagram.

Other varieties may depict Apollo depending on series, but for the 376–340 BC window the bull‑and‑grain‑ear type is dominant.

Reverse:

Typically features three grain ears, arranged vertically or fan-shaped, reflecting Kalchedon's grain‑rich region and economic identity.

Legend / Ethnic

Usually carries the ethnic ΚΑΛΧ (KALX), an abbreviation of Kalchedon.

General Historical Context

During this period Kalchedon was a commercially active Greek city positioned strategically across from Byzantion. Its coinage reflects both local identity (agricultural symbols) and regional economic participation in the classical Black Sea–propontic trade network.