The city of Olympia, one of the most important religious centers of the Ancient World, had rigid currency regulations. Whoever came here – be it as participant of the Olympic games or as spectator, be it as visitor of the Olympic market, or as pilgrim to one of the big sanctuaries – had to exchange his money into the currency of Olympia.
There were forgeries in circulation already at that time, however. This coin gives evidence – it has a copper core, only its surface is mantled with silver. Since the coins minted for the Olympic games were special and rare issues, it was difficult for consumers to recognize forgeries.