1/2 Stater

Emittent Aetolian League
Jahr 239 BC - 229 BC
Typ Standard circulation coin
Nennwert 1/2 Gold Stater (10)
Währung Drachm
Material Gold
Gewicht 4.3 g
Durchmesser
Dicke
Form Round (irregular)
Prägetechnik Hammered
Ausrichtung Variable alignment ↺
Stempelschneider
Im Umlauf bis
Referenz(en) BMC Greek#3, EHC#515
Aversbeschreibung Head of young Herakles right, wearing knotted lion-skin headdress.
Aversschrift
Averslegende
Reversbeschreibung Aetolia, personified, seated right on a pile of Celtic shields, wearing causia, short chiton, chlamys and endromides, with sword slung around waist; holding spear and wreath-bearing Nike. To right, figure of Artemis running to right, quiver at shoulder.
Reversschrift Greek
Reverslegende AITΩΛΩN
(Translation: Aitolia)
Rand
Prägestätte
Auflage ND (239 BC - 229 BC) - -
Numisquare-ID 8286921160
Zusätzliche Informationen

Historical Context: This 1/2 Stater was issued by the Aetolian League between 239 BC and 229 BC, a period of significant geopolitical tension in Hellenistic Greece. The League, a formidable federal state, actively challenged Macedon and the Achaean League for regional dominance. This gold coinage underscores the League's substantial economic power and political ambition, likely funding its renowned mercenary forces or projecting its independent status amidst intense rivalry.

Artistry: While the specific engraver remains anonymous, the artistry of this 1/2 Stater belongs to the Hellenistic stylistic tradition. Aetolian coinage is characterized by vigorous, detailed representations, often featuring local heroes or deities. Typical gold issues might depict a powerful Herakles or Aetolos on the obverse, embodying the League's martial spirit, with a complementary reverse design like a trophy or a seated figure, executed with a strong, dynamic hand.

Technical/Grading: For this gold 1/2 Stater, key high-points for grading typically include the hair, facial features, and musculature on the obverse, and any intricate drapery or attributes on the reverse. A superior technical strike would exhibit full detail on both sides, with excellent centering and minimal die wear. Gold, being a relatively soft metal, generally allows for a crisp strike, but also renders the coin susceptible to surface marks and wear.

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