Catalog
| Issuer | Apameia |
|---|---|
| Year | 133 BC - 48 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | Dichalkon (1⁄24) |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 8.5 g |
| Diameter | 22 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | HGC 7#674 |
| Obverse description | Bust of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet and aegis. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | |
| Obverse lettering | |
| Reverse description | Eagle landing right on maeander pattern, a star above, caps of the Dioskouroi flanking and name of the magistrate in two lines below. |
| Reverse script | Greek |
| Reverse lettering |
AΠAMEΩN ATTAΛOY BIANOPOΣ (Translation: Apameia Attalos, son of Bianoros, magistrate.) |
| Edge | Plain |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (133 BC - 48 BC) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 2714388550 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This Dichalkon from Apameia, minted 133-48 BC, dates to a pivotal era after Pergamon's bequest to Rome, establishing the Roman province of Asia. Apameia, a prominent Phrygian city, asserted its Hellenistic identity during this transition. The coin's inscription "Attalos & Bianoros" celebrates its mythical founders, Attalos I Soter and the river-god Bianoros. Their legends were central to Apameian civic pride. This bronze denomination served local economic needs, symbolizing the city's cultural autonomy amidst growing Roman influence.
Artistry: The artistic style of this Dichalkon is characteristic of the Late Hellenistic period, blending Greek naturalism with an emerging provincial Roman aesthetic. No specific engraver is identifiable; local artisans executed the craftsmanship. The design likely features busts of the mythical founders, Attalos and Bianoros, on the obverse and reverse, or perhaps Bianoros as a river-god. Such iconography reinforced Apameia's distinct cultural narrative and historical origins through widely circulated coinage, reflecting deep connection to its foundational myths.
Technical/Grading: Struck on a bronze flan weighing 8.5 grams and measuring 22 millimeters, this Dichalkon represents a substantial local currency. Key high-points for grading include hair, facial features (eyes, nose, mouth) of the depicted founders, and any musculature or drapery details. A well-preserved example exhibits a strong, centered strike with full details on both obverse and reverse, minimal flan imperfections, and even patination. Weak strikes or off-centering, common for ancient bronzes, diminish clarity of these iconographic elements.