Regular AE - George III falcon in the right hand

Emitent Georgia, Kingdom of (1010-1490)
Rok 1174
Typ Standard circulation coin
Hodnota
Měna Drachm
Složení Copper
Hmotnost 4.5 g
Průměr 26 mm
Tloušťka
Tvar Round (irregular)
Technika Hammered
Orientace Variable alignment ↺
Rytci
V oběhu do
Reference
Popis líce Crowned figure, sitting with crossed legs. Falcon in his right hand, right one is on the hip. Mkhedruli and Asomtavruli legend (date by the Georgian paschal circle) in the coin field.
Písmo líce Georgian (Asomtavruli), Georgian (Mkhedruli)
Opis líce გი ႵႰႩ ႲႯႣ
(Translation: GI ( first two letters of the name GIORGI))
Popis rubu 3-line Arabic legend inside a dotted circle
Písmo rubu Arabic
Opis rubu هلك الملوك كيوركي بين ديمطري حسام المسيح
(Translation: King of kings Giorgi, son of Demetre Sword of Messiah)
Hrana Hammered
Mincovna
Náklad 1174 - -
ID Numisquare 6140447860
Další informace

Historical Context: This Regular AE copper coin, dated 1174, hails from the Kingdom of Georgia during the illustrious reign of Giorgi III (1156-1184). This period represents a zenith in Georgian history, characterized by military expansion, political consolidation, and cultural blossoming, laying the groundwork for the subsequent Golden Age under his daughter, Tamar the Great. Such copper issues were vital for daily commerce, reflecting the kingdom's economic stability and the monarch's authority across its expanding territories.

Artistry: The coin's design, featuring "George III falcon in the right hand," embodies the distinctive medieval Georgian numismatic tradition. While the engraver remains anonymous, the style blends indigenous iconography with subtle influences from Byzantine and Islamic artistic conventions. The falcon, a powerful symbol of royalty, nobility, and hunting prowess, prominently displayed in the monarch's right hand, visually communicates Giorgi III's dominion and martial strength to his subjects.

Technical/Grading: Struck in copper with a weight of 4.5 grams and a diameter of 26 millimeters, this issue typically exhibits characteristics of medieval hand-striking. High-points susceptible to wear or weakness in strike include the falcon's head and wings, and any finer details within the Georgian script. Planchet irregularities and off-centering are common, yet well-preserved examples will retain strong definition in the primary motifs, offering insight into the die-cutting skill of the era.

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