Hemidrachm Mantineia

Đơn vị phát hành Arcadian League
Năm 430 BC - 420 BC
Loại Standard circulation coin
Mệnh giá Hemidrachm (1/2)
Tiền tệ Drachm
Chất liệu Silver
Trọng lượng 2.92 g
Đường kính 14.0 mm
Độ dày
Hình dạng Round (irregular)
Kỹ thuật Hammered, Incuse
Hướng
Nghệ nhân khắc
Lưu hành đến
Tài liệu tham khảo Williams,Confederate#304 var., BCD Peloponnesos#1465, BMC Greek#45
Mô tả mặt trước Zeus Lykaios seated left, holding scepter and thunderbolt. To the left an eagle flying right
Chữ viết mặt trước
Chữ khắc mặt trước
Mô tả mặt sau Head of Kallisto left, hair in sakkos and within incuse square
Chữ viết mặt sau Greek
Chữ khắc mặt sau A P K A
Cạnh
Xưởng đúc
Số lượng đúc ND (430 BC - 420 BC) - -
ID Numisquare 4643688500
Thông tin bổ sung

Historical Context: This silver hemidrachm from Mantineia, issued by the Arcadian League between 430 and 420 BC, falls within the tumultuous Peloponnesian War. Mantineia, a prominent Arcadian city-state, actively participated in the League, navigating complex alliances and rivalries, notably with Sparta. This coinage signifies the League's collective economic autonomy and its need for a stable currency to support military and trade operations, asserting its unified identity during widespread Greek conflict.

Artistry: While the engraver remains anonymous, this hemidrachm exemplifies the High Classical style of Greek numismatic art. Typical Arcadian League designs feature a local deity or nymph, rendered with the period's increasing naturalism and refined detail. Despite the small flan, master die-sinkers achieved idealized beauty and balanced composition, transcending archaic stiffness. The artistry effectively conveyed the solemnity and divine presence central to Arcadian religious iconography.

Technical/Grading: Weighing 2.92 grams and measuring 14.0 millimeters, this silver hemidrachm represents a carefully calibrated denomination. For grading, key high-points include the highest relief areas of any depicted hair, facial features, or drapery on the obverse, and central elements of the reverse device. Technical strike quality often varies; collectors should assess centering, strike sharpness, and flan quality. A well-struck example exhibits crisp details, indicative of a fresh die and skilled striking.

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