Æ - Prusias I or II

Đơn vị phát hành Kings of Bithynia
Năm 230 BC - 149 BC
Loại Standard circulation coin
Mệnh giá
Tiền tệ Drachm
Chất liệu Bronze
Trọng lượng 1.98 g
Đường kính 15 mm
Độ dày
Hình dạng Round (irregular)
Kỹ thuật Hammered
Hướng Variable alignment ↺
Nghệ nhân khắc
Lưu hành đến
Tài liệu tham khảo Recueil#33-35 Copenhagen#643-644 7#632
Mô tả mặt trước Forepart of bridled horse left or right.
Chữ viết mặt trước
Chữ khắc mặt trước
Mô tả mặt sau Wild boar running right; spearhead below.
Chữ viết mặt sau Greek
Chữ khắc mặt sau ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΠΡΟΥΣΙΟΥ
(Translation: King Prusias)
Cạnh
Xưởng đúc
Số lượng đúc ND (230 BC - 149 BC) - -
ID Numisquare 4904528390
Thông tin bổ sung

Historical Context: This Æ coin is attributed to Prusias I (230-182 BC) or Prusias II (182-149 BC), kings of Bithynia. These Hellenistic monarchs governed a vital kingdom in northwestern Asia Minor, navigating complex regional politics involving Pergamon, Pontus, and Rome. Bronze issues like this were crucial for the kingdom's internal economy, facilitating daily commerce and asserting royal authority. The shared attribution highlights continuity in royal iconography and dating challenges for this bronze series.

Artistry: Produced by an anonymous engraver, this coin exemplifies the Hellenistic stylistic school, blending idealized forms with royal portraiture. The obverse invariably features a diademed head of Prusias, projecting regal power. The reverse typically depicts a deity or symbol relevant to Bithynian royal mythology, such as Apollo, Zeus, or a ship's prow. Despite its modest 15mm module, the design intended to convey the majesty and legitimacy of the Bithynian monarchy to its subjects.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a 15mm bronze flan weighing 1.98 grams, this coin reflects common Hellenistic Æ production. High-points on the obverse portrait include the diadem, hair, nose, and chin; on the reverse, the head and attributes of any depicted figure. Strike quality often varies, with off-centering, minor flan irregularities, and weaker strikes common. The bronze fabric is susceptible to patination and corrosion, critically influencing preservation of details and overall aesthetic grade.

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