Hemiobol

Émetteur Pergamon
Année 133 BC - 27 BC
Type Standard circulation coin
Valeur Hemiobol (1⁄12)
Devise Drachm
Composition Copper
Poids 8.9 g
Diamètre 20 mm
Épaisseur
Forme Round (irregular)
Technique Hammered
Orientation
Graveur(s)
En circulation jusqu’à
Référence(s) BMC Greek#139, SNG Copenhagen#362
Description de l’avers Head of Athena to right, wearing Attic helmet, lettering below.
Écriture de l’avers Greek
Légende de l’avers ΠΕΡΓΑΜΗΝ
(Translation: of Pergamon)
Description du revers Nike standing to right, crowning the city name with a wreath held in right hand, holding a palm branch with left hand.
Écriture du revers Greek
Légende du revers ΠΕΡΓΑΜΗΝ
(Translation: of Pergmaon)
Tranche
Atelier
Tirage ND (133 BC - 27 BC) - -
ID Numisquare 8925276790
Informations supplémentaires

Historical Context: This Hemiobol from Pergamon, dated 133 BC - 27 BC, marks the city's transition from an independent Attalid kingdom to a Roman province following Attalus III's bequest. Despite Roman suzerainty, Pergamon maintained significant local autonomy, including the right to mint coinage. The issuance of copper denominations like this Hemiobol highlights a robust local economy and the need for small change in daily commerce, reflecting Pergamon's continued vitality as a regional center under Roman administration.

Artistry: While the specific engraver is unknown, this Hemiobol's design follows Late Hellenistic stylistic traditions, gradually integrating Roman provincial art. Pergamon's coinage often depicted local deities like Athena Nikephoros or Asclepius, or civic emblems, emphasizing the city's rich cultural heritage. The artistry typically balances classical idealization with naturalism, characteristic of the period. Such imagery reinforced Pergamon's distinct identity within the Roman provincial system.

Technical/Grading: Struck in copper, this Hemiobol weighs 8.9 grams and measures 20 millimeters. For coins of this material and period, high-points prone to wear or incomplete strike typically include hair, facial features, or intricate drapery. Irregular flan quality and off-centering are common. A well-struck example would exhibit sharp details on both obverse and reverse, with a relatively full and round flan, indicating a robust module suitable for local circulation.

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