Hemidrachm Tegea

Đơn vị phát hành Achaean League
Năm 100 BC - 75 BC
Loại Standard circulation coin
Mệnh giá 1/2 Drachm
Tiền tệ Drachm
Chất liệu Silver
Trọng lượng 2.32 g
Đường kính
Độ dày
Hình dạng Round (irregular)
Kỹ thuật Hammered
Hướng Variable alignment ↺
Nghệ nhân khắc
Lưu hành đến
Tài liệu tham khảo Peloponnesos#1746 Greek#130-131
Mô tả mặt trước Laureate head of Zeus to right.
Chữ viết mặt trước
Chữ khắc mặt trước
Mô tả mặt sau Achaian League monogram; above, monogram of ΘΗ; to left, Τ; to right, Ε; all within laurel wreath.
Chữ viết mặt sau Greek
Chữ khắc mặt sau ΘΗ T E
Cạnh
Xưởng đúc
Số lượng đúc ND (100 BC - 75 BC) - -
ID Numisquare 8984662510
Thông tin bổ sung

Historical Context: This Hemidrachm from Tegea, issued by the Achaean League between 100 and 75 BC, marks a critical late Hellenistic period. The League, a powerful Peloponnesian confederation, maintained fragile autonomy amidst encroaching Roman influence. Governed by elected officials, it navigated complex diplomatic and military challenges. This coinage testifies to a fleeting moment of self-governance, preceding the League's eventual absorption into the Roman sphere and the end of significant Greek independence in the region. It encapsulates a pivotal transition.

Artistry: The specific engraver of this Tegean hemidrachm remains anonymous, a common circumstance for coinage of this era. Stylistically, it aligns with the late Hellenistic tradition, blending classical ideals with evolving naturalism. Achaean League coinage typically features a laureate head of Zeus on the obverse, reflecting the League's patron deity, often rendered with dignified features. The reverse commonly displays the League's monogram (AX) combined with a local symbol, likely a civic emblem for Tegea. Execution prioritized clarity and recognition over intricate detail, characteristic of federal issues.

Technical/Grading: Struck in silver, weighing 2.32 grams, this hemidrachm's technical qualities are crucial for grading. High-points for wear include Zeus's hair, brow, and chin, alongside the highest relief elements of the reverse design, such as the League monogram and local symbol. A premium example would exhibit a strong, centered strike on a well-prepared flan, with minimal die wear and full details. Off-centering, flat strikes on high-points, or significant die breaks would negatively impact its numismatic grade, irrespective of its historical importance.

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