Hemidrachm Kaphyai

発行体 Achaean League (Achaia)
年号 160 BC - 146 BC
種類 Standard circulation coin
額面 Hemidrachm (1/2)
通貨 Drachm
材質 Silver
重量 2.47 g
直径 15 mm
厚さ
形状 Round (irregular)
製造技法 Hammered
向き Variable alignment ↺
彫刻師
流通終了年
参考文献 Peloponnesos#1382.1-2 , Benner#3 , Clerk#174-175 , SNG Copenhagen#276 , HGC 5#849 , Agrinion#505
表面の説明 Laureate head of Zeus right.
表面の文字体系
表面の銘文
裏面の説明 Monogram of the Achaian League; K to left, IΩ above, A to right; below, helmeted head of Athena right; all within laurel wreath.
裏面の文字体系 Greek
裏面の銘文 KIΩA
鋳造所
鋳造数 ND (160 BC - 146 BC) - -
Numisquare ID 9319628430
追加情報

Historical Context: This Hemidrachm of Kaphyai, issued by the Achaean League between 160 BC and 146 BC, encapsulates a critical period in Greek history, marking the final years of the League's independence before its ultimate subjugation by Rome. Following the Third Macedonian War, Roman influence in Greece was absolute, yet the Achaean League, a powerful confederation of Peloponnesian city-states, continued to assert its sovereignty through a unified federal coinage. The minting at Kaphyai, a smaller Arcadian city within the League, underscores the decentralized yet standardized economic system maintained even as tensions escalated, culminating in the Achaean War of 146 BC and the destruction of Corinth.

Artistry: The artistic style of this hemidrachm is characteristic of late Hellenistic numismatics, reflecting the prevailing aesthetic trends in the Peloponnese. While no specific engraver is identifiable, the dies were skillfully cut within the League's established iconographic tradition. The obverse typically features a laureate head of Zeus Homarios, the patron deity of the Achaean League, symbolizing the confederation's religious and political unity. The reverse prominently displays the Achaean League monogram (AX), often encircled by a laurel wreath, signifying civic honor or victory. Specific control marks, such as the mint mark for Kaphyai and magistrate initials, would further differentiate individual issues.

Technical/Grading: Struck in silver with a weight of 2.47 grams and a diameter of 15 millimeters, this hemidrachm adheres to the established League standard. For grading, key high-points on the obverse include Zeus's forehead, nose, and the highest points of the laurel wreath and hair. On the reverse, the central elements of the Achaean monogram and the highest points of the surrounding wreath are most susceptible to wear. Due to the small flan size, strikes can often be off-center, leading to incomplete legends or borders. Die wear and varying striking pressure might also result in softer details, particularly in Zeus's intricate coiffure or the finer elements of the wreath.

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