Æ16 - Ariarathes X

Đơn vị phát hành Kings of Cappadokia
Năm 42 BC - 36 BC
Loại Standard circulation coin
Mệnh giá
Tiền tệ Drachm
Chất liệu Bronze
Trọng lượng 3.66 g
Đường kính 16.1 mm
Độ dày 3.4 mm
Hình dạng Round (irregular)
Kỹ thuật Hammered
Hướng Medal alignment ↑↑
Nghệ nhân khắc
Lưu hành đến
Tài liệu tham khảo BMC Greek#4
Mô tả mặt trước Humped bull (Zebu) right, head facing
Chữ viết mặt trước
Chữ khắc mặt trước
Mô tả mặt sau Inscription and a bow in its bow case
Chữ viết mặt sau Greek
Chữ khắc mặt sau BAΣIΛEΩΣ AΡIAΡAΘOY
(Translation: King Ariarathes)
Cạnh
Xưởng đúc
Số lượng đúc ND (42 BC - 36 BC) - -
ID Numisquare 2345660850
Thông tin bổ sung

Historical Context: This Æ16 bronze coin of Ariarathes X Eusebes Philadelphos (42 BC - 36 BC) dates from a tumultuous era for the Kingdom of Cappadocia. As a Roman client state, its fate was tied to the Roman Triumvirate's power struggles. Ariarathes X, likely installed by Mark Antony, represents the final independent Cappadocian rule before its absorption. His brief, politically unstable reign makes this coinage a tangible artifact from the twilight of a Hellenistic kingdom.

Artistry: The anonymous engraver's work reflects late Hellenistic stylistic traditions, possibly with Roman influence. The obverse typically features a diademed portrait of Ariarathes X, facing right, rendered with idealized realism common to royal portraiture. The reverse often depicts a standing deity, such as Athena Nikephoros, or other Cappadocian symbols, encircled by the king's Greek legend. The design aimed to project royal authority and divine favor.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a bronze flan (3.66 grams, 16.1 millimeters), this BMC Greek#4 coin exhibits variable strike quality, typical of period bronze issues. High-points for wear include the king's hair, nose, and diadem on the obverse, and the deity's head or arm on the reverse. Centering varies, and flans often show minor irregularities. Strikes can be soft in areas, particularly on finer details, due to metal and production, yet it remains a robust numismatic record.

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