Catalogo
| Emittente | Characene, Kingdom of |
|---|---|
| Anno | 53-56 |
| Tipo | Standard circulation coin |
| Valore | Tetradrachm (4) |
| Valuta | Drachm |
| Composizione | Bronze |
| Peso | 15.3 g |
| Diametro | |
| Spessore | |
| Forma | Round (irregular) |
| Tecnica | Hammered |
| Orientamento | |
| Incisore/i | |
| In circolazione fino al | |
| Riferimento/i | BMC Greek#3 |
| Descrizione del dritto | Head of Attambelos IV to right, diademed, no beard; countermark on the neck. |
|---|---|
| Scrittura del dritto | |
| Legenda del dritto | |
| Descrizione del rovescio | Herakles seated left on anvil-shaped seat, nude, holding with right hand a club set on his right knee flanked vertically by lettering, a monogram (Dobbins# 1) before his head, letter below right arm (Dobbins# 3), date in exergue generally illegible. |
| Scrittura del rovescio | Greek |
| Legenda del rovescio |
ΒΑΣΙΛεωΣ ΑΤΤΑΜΒΗΛΟΥ CωΤΗΡΟΣ εΥεΡΓεΤΟΥ (Translation: King Attambelos, the savior and benefactor.) |
| Bordo | |
| Zecca | |
| Tiratura |
ND (53-56) - - |
| ID Numisquare | 6354997420 |
| Informazioni aggiuntive |
Historical Context: This Æ Tetradrachm was issued during the reign of Attambelos IV, king of Characene from 53 to 56 AD. Characene, a Hellenistic kingdom at the head of the Persian Gulf, served as a crucial maritime trade hub connecting Mesopotamia, Persia, and India. Attambelos IV's brief tenure occurred within Characene's semi-autonomous status under Parthian influence. His coinage offers essential numismatic evidence of the kingdom's economy and its self-perception within the ancient Near East's complex geopolitical landscape.
Artistry: The coin's artistic style reflects the provincial Hellenistic tradition prevalent in Characene, blending Greek influence with local interpretation. No specific engraver is attributed, but mint workshops produced a recognizable aesthetic. The obverse typically features a diademed bust of Attambelos IV, rendered with stylization common to the period, emphasizing royal authority. The reverse often depicts a seated figure, commonly Herakles, a nod to the enduring Hellenistic cultural heritage of the region.
Technical/Grading: Struck in bronze, weighing 15.3 grams, this tetradrachm was a significant local denomination. High-points prone to wear on the obverse include the king's diadem, hair, and facial features; on the reverse, Herakles' head, torso, and club are most vulnerable. Technical strike qualities for Characenian bronze issues vary, often showing some off-centering or unevenness. A well-struck example displays clear detail in the portrait and reverse figure, with good patination enhancing its appeal and preservation.