Catalog
| Issuer | Tyre |
|---|---|
| Year | 104 BC - 103 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | Octadrachm (8) |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 28.34 g |
| Diameter | 28 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | GCV#5917 |
| Obverse description | Veiled and turreted head of Tyche right. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | |
| Obverse lettering | |
| Reverse description | Double cornucopiae. |
| Reverse script | Greek |
| Reverse lettering | TYPOY IEPAΣ ΚΑΙ ΑΣYΛOY ΓΚ |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (104 BC - 103 BC) - ΓΚ (Year 23) - |
| Numisquare ID | 5861016750 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This gold octadrachm from Tyre, dated 104-103 BC, emerges during a period of significant geopolitical flux. While nominally under Seleucid suzerainty, Tyre, a preeminent Phoenician city-state, asserted economic and political independence amidst Seleucid dynastic struggles. The issuance of this high-value gold denomination (28.34 grams) testifies to Tyre's immense wealth from maritime trade and strategic importance. It likely served as a prestigious instrument for large-scale international transactions or a declaration of sovereignty.
Artistry: The coin's iconography adheres to Tyre's established Hellenistic-Phoenician artistic tradition. The obverse features Melqart