کاتالوگ
| صادرکننده | Characene, Kingdom of |
|---|---|
| سال | 58-59 |
| نوع | Standard circulation coin |
| ارزش | Tetradrachm (4) |
| واحد پول | Drachm |
| ترکیب | Bronze |
| وزن | 16.23 g |
| قطر | |
| ضخامت | |
| شکل | Round (irregular) |
| تکنیک | Hammered |
| جهت | |
| حکاک(ها) | |
| در گردش تا | |
| مرجع(ها) |
| توضیحات روی سکه | Head of Attambelos to right, diademed, bearded, wheat stalk in right field. |
|---|---|
| خط روی سکه | |
| نوشتههای روی سکه | |
| توضیحات پشت سکه | 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# 6) before his head, letter below right arm (Dobbins# 12), date in exergue generally illegible. |
| خط پشت سکه | Greek |
| نوشتههای پشت سکه |
ΒΑΣΙΛεωΣ ΑΤΤΑΜΒΗΛΟΥ CωΤΗΡΟΣ εΥεΡΓεΤΟΥ (Translation: King Attambelos, the savior and benefactor.) |
| لبه | |
| ضرابخانه | |
| تیراژ ضرب |
ND (58-59) - - |
| شناسه Numisquare | 7189204390 |
| اطلاعات تکمیلی |
Historical Context: This Æ Tetradrachm was issued by Attambelos IV, King of Characene, during his brief reign from 58-59 CE. Characene, a semi-autonomous Hellenistic kingdom at the head of the Persian Gulf, served as a vital entrepôt for trade connecting the Roman, Parthian, and Indian worlds. Attambelos IV’s coinage reflects the kingdom's sustained economic importance and its distinct identity, operating within the Parthian sphere of influence. His issues provide a continuous numismatic record of this strategic mercantile hub.
Artistry: The anonymous engraver of this coin worked within the Hellenistic-Parthian stylistic tradition prevalent in Characene. The obverse typically features a diademed bust of Attambelos IV, often facing right, exhibiting the characteristic stylized yet individualistic portraiture. The reverse commonly displays a seated figure, often Herakles holding a club, or an eagle, accompanied by Greek legends identifying the monarch. While lacking the extreme refinement of earlier Greek masters, the design possesses a distinct, robust local character.
Technical/Grading: Struck in bronze, this tetradrachm weighs 16.23 grams, consistent with issues of Attambelos IV. High-points susceptible to wear or weak strike include the king's diadem, hair, and facial features on the obverse, and the deity's musculature or attributes on the reverse. Characene bronzes frequently exhibit irregular flans, variable strike quality, and occasional die wear or minor off-centering. A well-struck example would show clear legends and strong definition on both sides, with minimal porosity.