Hemidrachm Lakedaimon

Đơn vị phát hành Achaean League (Achaia)
Năm 85 BC
Loại Standard circulation coin
Mệnh giá Hemidrachm (1/2)
Tiền tệ Drachm
Chất liệu Silver
Trọng lượng 2.26 g
Đường kính 17 mm
Độ dày
Hình dạng Round (irregular)
Kỹ thuật Hammered
Hướng Variable alignment ↺
Nghệ nhân khắc
Lưu hành đến
Tài liệu tham khảo Peloponnesos#865.1 , Benner#15 , SNG Copenhagen#322 , HGC 5#643 , Clerk#314
Mô tả mặt trước Laureate head of Zeus right.
Chữ viết mặt trước
Chữ khắc mặt trước
Mô tả mặt sau League monogram; monogram above, piloi of the Dioskouroi to left and right, ΠY below; all within wreath.
Chữ viết mặt sau Greek
Chữ khắc mặt sau ΠY
Cạnh
Xưởng đúc
Số lượng đúc ND (-85) - -
ID Numisquare 3283760480
Thông tin bổ sung

Historical Context:The Hemidrachm of Lakedaimon, issued by the Achaean League in 85 BC, marks a pivotal moment in Hellenistic history. The Achaean League, a robust confederation of Peloponnesian city-states, was then navigating the increasing dominance of the Roman Republic. This period saw the League striving for autonomy during the First Mithridatic War. Lakedaimon, ancient Sparta, was a key member. These federal issues highlight the League's enduring economic and political significance shortly before its final subjugation by Rome.

Artistry:Stylistically, this hemidrachm adheres to the late Hellenistic Greek tradition, balancing classical ideals with refined execution. While individual engravers are typically anonymous, die-cutting quality is consistently high. The obverse usually presents a laureate head of Zeus, rendered with dignified features, representing the Achaean League's patron deity. The reverse design invariably features the League's monogram (AX) alongside Lakedaimon's city monogram (LA), all encircled by a laurel wreath, symbolizing civic honor.

Technical/Grading:Struck in silver, this hemidrachm weighs 2.26 grams and measures 17 millimeters, adhering to the League's fractional currency standard. For grading, strike quality is crucial; these federal issues often exhibit full details on broad flans. High-point wear on the obverse affects Zeus's hair and brow, and on the reverse, the central monograms. Well-preserved examples show excellent centering and minimal die wear, retaining sharp details and sometimes original luster, indicative of a superior technical strike.

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