Semis Achilles right, Corinthian helmet, horse left, ΝΙΚΟΜΑΧΟΥ clockwise

Historical Context: This bronze semis, issued by the Koinon of Thessaly (117-138 CE), dates squarely to Emperor Hadrian’s reign. Hadrian’s philhellenism fostered Greek provincial institutions, granting leagues like the Thessalian Koinon significant autonomy in local coinage. The obverse depiction of Achilles, a hero intrinsically linked to Thessaly, blends local identity and heritage with imperial authority. The reverse legend, ΝΙΚΟΜΑΧΟΥ, identifies the issuing magistrate, a common feature on provincial bronzes attesting to its issue.

Artistry: The artistic execution of Thessalian Koinon coinage from this period, typically lacking individual engraver signatures, reflects prevailing provincial Roman styles influenced by Hellenistic traditions. The obverse portrayal of Achilles, rendered in a stylized manner with a distinctive Corinthian helmet, prioritizes iconic recognition over portraiture. The reverse horse, often depicted with movement, aligns with classical numismatic motifs. While less refined than contemporary imperial issues, these provincial bronzes possess robust character, communicating local identity and magistrate authority through established iconographic types.

Technical/Grading: For this semis type, key grading points include the integrity of Achilles’ Corinthian helmet, particularly its crest and cheek-pieces, prone to wear. On the reverse, the horse's head, mane, and legs, alongside the ΝΙΚΟΜΑΧΟΥ legend's legibility, are critical. Given the small flan (16mm) and often irregular strikes common to provincial bronzes, a well-centered strike with full details, especially the legend and helmet’s intricacies, is premium. A stable, attractive patina without significant corrosion or tooling further enhances numismatic value.