Catalogo
| Emittente | Achaean League |
|---|---|
| Anno | 160 BC - 146 BC |
| Tipo | Standard circulation coin |
| Valore | 1/2 Drachm |
| Valuta | Drachm |
| Composizione | Silver |
| Peso | 2.47 g |
| Diametro | 15.0 mm |
| Spessore | |
| Forma | Round (irregular) |
| Tecnica | Hammered |
| Orientamento | |
| Incisore/i | |
| In circolazione fino al | |
| Riferimento/i | BCD Peloponnesos#1551.4, HGC 5#926, SNG Copenhagen#285 |
| Descrizione del dritto | Laureate head of Zeus right and letters B Z below |
|---|---|
| Scrittura del dritto | |
| Legenda del dritto | |
| Descrizione del rovescio | Monogram of the Achaian League. Ξ above, I–K across the field, syrinx below in the fields and all within laurel wreath |
| Scrittura del rovescio | Greek |
| Legenda del rovescio | Ξ I K |
| Bordo | |
| Zecca | |
| Tiratura |
ND (160 BC - 146 BC) - - |
| ID Numisquare | 7006065600 |
| Informazioni aggiuntive |
Historical Context: This silver hemidrachm, issued by the Achaean League from Megalopolis (160-146 BC), marks a pivotal period. It dates to the League's final struggle against Roman expansion, culminating in its defeat in 146 BC. The League’s coinage was a crucial economic instrument and a symbol of its challenged sovereignty. Its minting in Megalopolis underscores the unified monetary system maintained amidst intense political pressure.
Artistry: The anonymous engraver followed Hellenistic numismatic conventions. The obverse typically depicts a laureate head of Zeus, blending idealized classicism with practical late Hellenistic execution. Zeus symbolized the League's divine authority. The reverse characteristically features the Achaean League monogram (AX) within a wreath, accompanied by a distinctive city symbol. For Megalopolis, this often includes a syrinx or a head of Pan, reflecting its Arcadian heritage.
Technical/Grading: Weighing 2.47 grams and measuring 15.0 millimeters, this hemidrachm conforms to standard specifications. Obverse high-points include Zeus's hair, brow, and wreath. Reverse high-points are the Achaean monogram and city symbol. Collectors should seek a well-centered strike with clear details on Zeus's features and the reverse devices. Minor off-centering or slight strike weakness are common for this denomination, reflecting ancient minting variability.