Drachm

Emissor Gaza (Cities of Philistia)
Ano 450 BC - 400 BC
Tipo Standard circulation coin
Valor Drachm (1)
Moeda Drachm
Composição Silver
Peso 3.33 g
Diâmetro 15 mm
Espessura
Formato Round (irregular)
Técnica Hammered, Incuse
Orientação Variable alignment ↺
Gravador(es)
Em circulação até
Referência(s) Gitler&Tal#VI.2D , HGC 10#548 , Traité II#1067
Descrição do anverso Female head right, oriental hairstyle with bunched hair in the back.
Escrita do anverso
Legenda do anverso
Descrição do reverso Forepart of a horse right with forelegs stretched forwards; the forelocks of the horse are tied with a ribbon. In upper left field letters Zayin, ‘Ayin. Dotted border set in incuse square.
Escrita do reverso Aramaic
Legenda do reverso
(Translation: Ayin Zayin)
Bordo
Casa da moeda
Tiragem ND (450 BC - 400 BC) - -
ID Numisquare 8309585920
Informações adicionais

Historical Context: This silver drachm originates from Gaza, a pivotal city among the Cities of Philistia, during the Achaemenid Persian suzerainty (450-400 BC). Gaza’s strategic position as a vital trade nexus between Egypt, Arabia, and Mesopotamia afforded it significant economic power and a degree of local autonomy in minting. This coinage reflects Gaza's prosperity and its role as a crucial administrative and commercial hub within the vast Persian Empire, demonstrating a blend of imperial influence and local self-governance.

Artistry: While the engraver remains anonymous, typical for the period, the coin exhibits a distinctive Greco-Persian stylistic blend. The obverse often features a finely rendered deity head, frequently reflecting Greek artistic conventions in its idealized form and detailed coiffure. The reverse commonly displays a local animal or symbol, executed with a more regional aesthetic. This fusion underscores Gaza's cultural crossroads identity, absorbing Hellenic artistic trends while maintaining indigenous iconographic traditions in its numismatic expression.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a 15 mm flan weighing 3.33 grams, this drachm adheres to the established Achaemenid weight standard for the region. Due to manual striking, examples often show some degree of off-centering or incomplete strike, particularly around the flan edges. High-points susceptible to wear include the deity’s hair, facial features (nose, eye), and intricate details of the reverse device. A well-struck specimen will exhibit sharp details on both sides, with a full flan and minimal die wear, enhancing its numismatic appeal.

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