Drachm - Ariobarzanes I Philoromaios

Đơn vị phát hành Kings of Cappadokia
Năm 95 BC - 63 BC
Loại Standard circulation coin
Mệnh giá 1 Drachm
Tiền tệ Drachm
Chất liệu Silver
Trọng lượng 4 g
Đường kính 17 mm
Độ dày 2.2 mm
Hình dạng Round (irregular)
Kỹ thuật Hammered
Hướng
Nghệ nhân khắc
Lưu hành đến
Tài liệu tham khảo GCV#7302
Mô tả mặt trước Diademed head of Ariobarzanes right
Chữ viết mặt trước
Chữ khắc mặt trước
Mô tả mặt sau Athena standing left, holding Nike, spear and shield resting on ground to right
Chữ viết mặt sau Greek
Chữ khắc mặt sau ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΡΙΟΒΑΡΖΑΝΟΥ ΦΙΛΟΡΩΜΑΙΩΝ ΑΛ (31 = 65/4 BC)
(Translation: King Ariobarzanes romans friend)
Cạnh Rough
Xưởng đúc
Số lượng đúc ND (95 BC - 89 BC) - Year 1 to 6 -
ND (82 BC - 78 BC) - Year 13 to 18 -
ND (74 BC - 63 BC) - Year 21 to 32 -
ID Numisquare 9370389740
Thông tin bổ sung

Historical Context: This silver drachm was issued during the tumultuous reign of Ariobarzanes I Philoromaios, King of Cappadokia (95-63 BC). His epithet, "friend of the Romans," highlights Rome's growing regional power. Ariobarzanes I was a Roman client king, repeatedly installed and supported by Rome against Mithridates VI of Pontus and Tigranes II of Armenia. His coinage asserted legitimacy amidst constant political upheaval, reflecting Cappadocia's precarious position between Hellenistic and Roman spheres.

Artistry: The coin's design adheres to prevailing Hellenistic artistic traditions. Engravers remain anonymous, but work likely came from skilled court workshops, possibly influenced by Syrian or Pergamene styles. The obverse typically features a finely rendered, diademed portrait of Ariobarzanes I, realistic yet idealized, consistent with Hellenistic royal iconography. The reverse often depicts a seated Athena Nikephoros or Zeus, a common Cappadocian motif, accompanied by the king's Greek name and title, demonstrating numismatic continuity.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a 17mm silver flan weighing approximately 4 grams, this drachm exhibits typical Hellenistic fabric. Key high-points for wear on the obverse include the king's hair, forehead, and diadem knot. On the reverse, assess the deity's head, outstretched arm (if Athena), and drapery folds. Strike quality varies; well-centered examples with full detail are desirable. Original luster is rare, but well-preserved specimens show crisp details.

×