Katalog
| Emittent | Hierapytna |
|---|---|
| Jahr | 200 BC - 67 BC |
| Typ | Standard circulation coin |
| Nennwert | Didrachm (2) |
| Währung | Drachm |
| Material | Silver |
| Gewicht | 7.29 g |
| Durchmesser | |
| Dicke | |
| Form | Round (irregular) |
| Prägetechnik | Hammered |
| Ausrichtung | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Stempelschneider | |
| Im Umlauf bis | |
| Referenz(en) | SvoronosCr#28 var., BMC Greek#7 var., Hunterian#2 var., Jameson#2127 |
| Aversbeschreibung | Head of Tyche facing right, wearing turreted headdress, triple-pendant earring and a necklace. |
|---|---|
| Aversschrift | |
| Averslegende | |
| Reversbeschreibung | Palm tree in the centre, while on the left is an eagle standing and facing right. Name of the magistrate and monogram to right and name of the city below. |
| Reversschrift | Greek |
| Reverslegende | ΣAMAΓOPAΣ IEPAΠYTNΩN |
| Rand | |
| Prägestätte | |
| Auflage |
ND (200 BC - 67 BC) - - |
| Numisquare-ID | 5886009840 |
| Zusätzliche Informationen |
Historical Context: This silver didrachm was issued by the ancient Cretan city of Hierapytna during the Late Hellenistic period, 200 BC to 67 BC. This era saw increasing Roman intervention and intense rivalries among Cretan city-states. The coin bears the name of Samagoras, likely a prominent civic magistrate responsible for its issuance, reflecting local autonomy and authority in Hellenistic coinage. Its production underscores Hierapytna's economic vitality and political self-determination prior to Crete's eventual subjugation by Rome.
Artistry: While specific design details are not provided, coins from Hierapytna during this period typically exhibit the refined craftsmanship characteristic of Hellenistic Greek numismatic art. Engravers, though anonymous, aimed for a balance of idealized forms and realistic detail. The stylistic school emphasizes the sculptural quality inherent in Greek coinage, often depicting deities or local symbols with a dynamic yet harmonious aesthetic. Die quality was crucial, ensuring crisp rendering of intricate details, reflecting the city's pride and artistic sophistication.
Technical/Grading: This didrachm, weighing 7.29 grams of silver, adheres to the established weight standard for its denomination, indicative of careful minting practices. For grading, critical high-points would include the highest relief areas of any depicted deity's hair, facial features, or drapery folds. A superior strike exhibits excellent centering, full detail on both obverse and reverse, and minimal die wear. Flan quality, including its shape and surface integrity, also significantly impacts its overall technical merit and preservation.