Catalogo
| Emittente | Dioskourias |
|---|---|
| Anno | 105 BC - 90 BC |
| Tipo | Standard circulation coin |
| Valore | Chalkon (1⁄48) |
| Valuta | Drachm |
| Composizione | Bronze |
| Peso | 4.6 g |
| Diametro | 15 mm |
| Spessore | |
| Forma | Round (irregular) |
| Tecnica | Hammered |
| Orientamento | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Incisore/i | |
| In circolazione fino al | |
| Riferimento/i | GCV#3629, SNG BM Black Sea#1021, SNG Stancomb#638 |
| Descrizione del dritto | Helmets (which evolved from bronze piloi) belonging to the twin brothers Dioskuri (Kastor and Polydeuces) with either 6 or 8-pointed stars above each. |
|---|---|
| Scrittura del dritto | |
| Legenda del dritto | |
| Descrizione del rovescio | Greek lettering from left and right of thyrsos (In Greek religion, the thyrsos staff was carried by the votaries of Dionysus.) |
| Scrittura del rovescio | Greek |
| Legenda del rovescio |
ΔΙ ΟΣ ΚΟΥ ΡΙΑ Δ ΟΣ (Translation: Dioskourias) |
| Bordo | |
| Zecca | |
| Tiratura |
ND (105 BC - 90 BC) - 6-pointed star above helmets. - ND (105 BC - 90 BC) - 8-pointed stars above helmets . - |
| ID Numisquare | 6138443480 |
| Informazioni aggiuntive |
Historical Context: This Chalkon, issued by Dioskourias between 105 BC and 90 BC, firmly places it within the late Hellenistic period. Dioskourias, a vital trading port in Colchis, was under strong influence from the Pontic Kingdom, then ruled by Mithridates VI Eupator. The issuance of this small bronze denomination reflects the city's ongoing economic activity and need for fractional currency to facilitate daily commerce, underscoring its continued municipal function despite broader imperial ambitions.
Artistry: The artistic execution of this Chalkon adheres to prevailing Hellenistic stylistic traditions of the Black Sea region. While a specific engraver is unidentifiable, the design typically features a prominent bust on the obverse, often a local deity, hero, or civic personification. The reverse commonly displays a civic emblem or symbol, accompanied by an ethnic legend. The style prioritizes clear communication of iconography over intricate detail, characteristic of provincial Hellenistic coinage on a small module.
Technical/Grading: Measuring 15mm in diameter and weighing 4.6 grams, this Chalkon represents a standard module for its denomination. For grading, key high-points include the highest relief areas of the obverse bust, such as hair, nose, and chin, and any central reverse features. Technical strike quality on bronze issues of this period often varies. Common observations include minor off-centering, weak strikes on peripheral elements, and occasional planchet irregularities. A well-centered strike with full details on primary devices would be considered exceptional.