Chalkon

Đơn vị phát hành Dioskourias
Năm 105 BC - 90 BC
Loại Standard circulation coin
Mệnh giá Chalkon (1⁄48)
Tiền tệ Drachm
Chất liệu Bronze
Trọng lượng 4.6 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 GCV#3629, SNG BM Black Sea#1021, SNG Stancomb#638
Mô tả mặt trước Helmets (which evolved from bronze piloi) belonging to the twin brothers Dioskuri (Kastor and Polydeuces) with either 6 or 8-pointed stars above each.
Chữ viết mặt trước
Chữ khắc mặt trước
Mô tả mặt sau Greek lettering from left and right of thyrsos (In Greek religion, the thyrsos staff was carried by the votaries of Dionysus.)
Chữ viết mặt sau Greek
Chữ khắc mặt sau ΔΙ ΟΣ ΚΟΥ ΡΙΑ Δ ΟΣ
(Translation: Dioskourias)
Cạnh
Xưởng đúc
Số lượng đúc ND (105 BC - 90 BC) - 6-pointed star above helmets. -
ND (105 BC - 90 BC) - 8-pointed stars above helmets . -
ID Numisquare 6138443480
Thông tin bổ sung

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.

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