Catálogo
| Emisor | Olympus |
|---|---|
| Año | 238-244 |
| Tipo | Standard circulation coin |
| Valor | Hexassarion (0.6) |
| Moneda | Drachm |
| Composición | Bronze |
| Peso | 21.46 g |
| Diámetro | 31 mm |
| Grosor | |
| Forma | Round (irregular) |
| Técnica | Hammered |
| Orientación | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Grabador(es) | |
| En circulación hasta | |
| Referencia(s) | VII.2#2361 Aulock#Lykien 190 |
| Descripción del anverso | Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian III, right, seen from front. |
|---|---|
| Escritura del anverso | Greek |
| Leyenda del anverso |
ΑΥ Κ ΜΑΡ ΑΝΤ ΓΟΡΔΙΑΝΟϹ ϹΕΒ (Translation: Emperor Caesar Marcus Antonius Gordianus Augustus) |
| Descripción del reverso | Hephaestus seated right, on rock, in front of anvil behind which tongs, holding hammer and shield. |
| Escritura del reverso | Greek |
| Leyenda del reverso |
ΟΛΥΜΠΗΝωΝ (Translation: [Coin] of the Olympians) |
| Canto | |
| Casa de moneda | |
| Tirada |
ND (238-244) - - |
| ID de Numisquare | 1668494360 |
| Información adicional |
Historical Context: This Hexassarion was issued during Emperor Gordian III's reign (238-244 AD), a period following the tumultuous Year of the Six Emperors. Ascending young, Gordian brought some stability to the Roman Empire amidst external threats and internal strife. Minted by Olympus in Lycia, this substantial bronze coin was crucial for local commerce, facilitating daily transactions and reinforcing imperial authority through its clear depiction of the reigning emperor.
Artistry: The coin’s design reflects the characteristic style of Greek provincial coinage from the mid-3rd century AD. While no specific engraver is identified, the artistic school blends Hellenistic aesthetics with Roman imperial iconography. The obverse typically features a laureate, draped, cuirassed bust of Gordian III, rendered with generalized yet recognizable portraiture. The reverse, bearing the inscription ΟΛΥΜΠΗΝωΝ, would have showcased a civic or local deity, embodying the city’s identity and cultural heritage.
Technical/Grading: Weighing 21.46 grams and measuring 31 millimeters, this Hexassarion represents a significant bronze denomination. High-points for wear typically include the emperor’s hair, nose, and the laurel wreath on the obverse, and the highest relief elements of the reverse design. Provincial bronzes often exhibit variable strike quality; desirable examples show a full, well-centered strike on a sound flan, with clear legends and crisp details, free from significant off-centering or die wear.