Double Decadrachm - Amyntas

Đơn vị phát hành Kings of Baktria
Năm 95 BC - 90 BC
Loại Standard circulation coin
Mệnh giá Double Decadrachm (20)
Tiền tệ Attic drachm
Chất liệu Silver
Trọng lượng 85 g
Đường kính 65 mm
Độ dày
Hình dạng Round (irregular)
Kỹ thuật Hammered
Hướng
Nghệ nhân khắc
Lưu hành đến
Tài liệu tham khảo BIGR#amyntas.1 , MIG#385 , Bop#1
Mô tả mặt trước Bust of Amyntas, diademed and draped, wearing Boeotian helmet adorned with bull`s horn and ear right; bead and reel border.
Chữ viết mặt trước
Chữ khắc mặt trước
Mô tả mặt sau Zeus draped in three-quarter view left, seated on throne, armed Athena on outstretched right hand, sceptre and palm branch in left hand.
Chữ viết mặt sau Greek
Chữ khắc mặt sau ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΝΙΚΑΤΟΡΟΣ ΑΜΥΝΤΟΥ
(Translation: King Amyntas, the Victor)
Cạnh
Xưởng đúc
Số lượng đúc ND (95 BC - 90 BC) - -
ID Numisquare 1549768540
Thông tin bổ sung

Historical Context: The Double Decadrachm of Amyntas (95-90 BC) is a monumental numismatic statement from a later Indo-Greek king. Ruling Baktria amidst geopolitical instability and facing Scythian/Parthian pressures, Amyntas issued this exceptionally heavy (85g) and large (65mm) silver denomination. It was a deliberate assertion of royal power, economic strength, and prestige. This potent propaganda showcased his sovereignty and the enduring wealth of his Hellenistic kingdom during a fragmenting political landscape.

Artistry: This coin exemplifies the superb Hellenistic artistic tradition of Baktrian mints. The obverse features a masterful, idealized portrait of Amyntas, often diademed or helmeted, conveying regal authority and martial prowess. The anonymous engraver skillfully captured the king's commanding presence. The reverse commonly displays Athena Alkidemos, standing left, holding a shield and brandishing a thunderbolt. This powerful motif symbolizes divine protection and military strength, reflecting the high artistic standards maintained by Indo-Greek craftsmen.

Technical/Grading: The immense size and weight of this Double Decadrachm presented significant striking challenges. High-point wear on the obverse typically affects Amyntas's hair, ear, and prominent facial features. On the reverse, wear is commonly observed on Athena's head, drapery, and attributes. Due to the large flan, minor flatness or slight off-centering is not uncommon. Premium examples exhibit a strong central strike, excellent metal quality, and minimal die wear, reflecting both the original minting process and the coin's subsequent preservation.

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