Catalog
| Issuer | Synada |
|---|---|
| Year | 133 BC - 1 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Orichalcum |
| Weight | 7.64 g |
| Diameter | 25 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | SNG Copenhagen#707 , BMC Greek#4 |
| Obverse description | Head of the city-goddess to right, wearing elaborate mural crown consisting of three towers and a crenelated city wall. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | |
| Obverse lettering | |
| Reverse description | Zeus standing front, head to left, holding thunderbolt in his right hand and long scepter in his left. |
| Reverse script | Greek |
| Reverse lettering | ΣYNNAΔΕΩN MENEΣTPA TOΣ |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (133 BC - 1 BC) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 7359325960 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This Æ issue from Synada, a prominent Phrygian city, dates to the Hellenistic-early Roman provincial period (133 BC - 1 BC). After Rome's acquisition of the Attalid kingdom, cities like Synada retained significant local autonomy, including the right to mint bronze coinage. Menestratos, whose name appears, was a high-ranking civic magistrate, likely a strategos, overseeing the city's economic and administrative affairs. His presence underscores Synada's self-governance and economic vitality within the Roman sphere.
Artistry: The engraver remains anonymous, typical for civic issues. Stylistically, it belongs to the Hellenistic provincial school, showing robust local interpretations of classical Greek iconography. The obverse likely features a revered local deity, such as Zeus or the Phrygian god Men, rendered with strong features. The reverse typically displays a civic emblem, perhaps an eagle or cult object, alongside the city's name and magistrate Menestratos, reflecting local pride.
Technical/Grading: Struck on a substantial 25mm orichalcum flan, weighing 7.64 grams, this coin represents a significant denomination. Orichalcum, a brass-like alloy, was valued for its appearance. Key high-points for wear include the hair and facial features on the obverse deity, and musculature or wing details on the reverse emblem. Technical strike quality often varies; flans are generally broad, but strikes can be slightly off-center, and minor planchet flaws are common. However, metal flow for central devices is usually strong, ensuring good detail preservation in higher grades.