Bronze AE14 - Attalos II

Historical Context: This Bronze AE14 was issued during the reign of Attalos II Philadelphos of Pergamon (159-138 BC), a period marking the zenith of the Attalid kingdom's power and cultural influence. Attalos II, a skilled diplomat and military leader, maintained Pergamon's prosperity through strategic alliances, notably with Rome, and continued his predecessors' patronage of the arts and sciences. This coinage reflects the kingdom's self-assured sovereignty and economic stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, shortly before its eventual bequest to Rome by Attalos III.

Artistry: While the specific engraver remains anonymous, this coin exemplifies the refined Hellenistic artistic tradition prevalent in Pergamon. The design, typical of the era's bronze issues, would have featured a finely rendered obverse bust, likely a deity such as Athena or Demeter, or perhaps a deified portrait of the ruler himself, characterized by naturalistic features and expressive depth. The reverse typically presented a symbolic device or a secondary deity, executed with attention to detail despite the coin's modest size, reflecting Pergamon's status as a major artistic center.

Technical/Grading: This AE14, weighing 4.3 grams and measuring 13.46 mm, was struck on a relatively thick flan, characteristic of Pergamene bronzes. Key high-points susceptible to wear would include the hair, facial features (forehead, cheek, chin) on the obverse, and prominent elements of the reverse device (e.g., wing tips, animal musculature). A well-preserved example would exhibit a strong, centered strike, revealing crisp details and full legends, though minor flan imperfections and off-centering are common for issues of this denomination and metal.