Hemidrachm Phenaios

発行体 Achaean League
年号 160 BC - 146 BC
種類 Standard circulation coin
額面 1/2 Drachm
通貨 Drachm
材質 Silver
重量 2.37 g
直径 15.0 mm
厚さ
形状 Round (irregular)
製造技法 Hammered
向き
彫刻師
流通終了年
参考文献 BCD Peloponnesos#1632
表面の説明 Laureate head of Zeus facing right
表面の文字体系 Greek
表面の銘文
裏面の説明 Monogram of the Achaian League. AX monogram, E-Y flanking, kerykeion below and all within laurel wreath
裏面の文字体系 Greek
裏面の銘文 E Y
鋳造所
鋳造数 ND (160 BC - 146 BC) - -
Numisquare ID 5986863020
追加情報

Historical Context: This Hemidrachm, issued by the Achaean League between 160 and 146 BC, represents the final, tumultuous era of this influential federal state. During this period, the League faced escalating Roman intervention, culminating in its dissolution after the Battle of Corinth in 146 BC. The issuance of silver coinage, likely under a magistrate named Phenaios (possibly indicating a mint in Pheneus), underscores the League's continued economic sovereignty and administrative structure amidst intense political pressure.

Artistry: The artistic execution of this Hemidrachm adheres to established Late Hellenistic numismatic traditions of the Achaean League. Specific engravers are rarely identified for these federal issues; however, the stylistic school emphasizes a classical ideal with naturalism. The obverse typically features a laureate head of Zeus, the League's patron deity, rendered with dignified features. The reverse displays the iconic Achaean League monogram (AX) within a laurel wreath, accompanied by a local symbol and magistrate's name, Phenaios, signifying the specific mint or official.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a compact silver flan (2.37 grams, 15.0 mm), this Hemidrachm’s technical quality is assessed by device clarity. High points on the obverse include Zeus’s hair and laurel wreath. On the reverse, the Achaean monogram and any local symbols are critical for strike detail. Due to the small module and ancient methods, minor off-centering or slight weakness on the periphery or highest relief points is common. A well-centered strike with full details on Zeus’s features and a clear monogram represents a premium example.

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