Catalogo
| Emittente | Aetolian League |
|---|---|
| Anno | 250 BC - 225 BC |
| Tipo | Standard circulation coin |
| Valore | 1 Stater = 3 Drachm |
| Valuta | Drachm |
| Composizione | Silver |
| Peso | 10.36 g |
| Diametro | 24 mm |
| Spessore | |
| Forma | Round (irregular) |
| Tecnica | Hammered |
| Orientamento | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Incisore/i | |
| In circolazione fino al | |
| Riferimento/i | BCD Akarnania#447 , BMC Greek#11 , Tsangari#770 |
| Descrizione del dritto | Head of Apollo to right, wearing oak wreath; below, ΦI. |
|---|---|
| Scrittura del dritto | Greek |
| Legenda del dritto | ΦΙ |
| Descrizione del rovescio | Aitolos, nude but for kausia hung around his neck, his sword slung over his left shoulder and his chlamys draped around his left arm, standing left, right foot set on rock and holding spear in his right hand; in field to left, ΛΑ. |
| Scrittura del rovescio | Greek |
| Legenda del rovescio | ΑΙΤΩΛΩΝ ΛΑ |
| Bordo | |
| Zecca | |
| Tiratura |
ND (250 BC - 225 BC) - - |
| ID Numisquare | 5595786700 |
| Informazioni aggiuntive |
Historical Context: This silver stater, issued by the Aetolian League between 250 BC and 225 BC, marks a pivotal era of their ascendancy as a dominant federal power in Hellenistic Greece. During this period, the League aggressively expanded its territory and influence through military campaigns against rivals. The substantial issuance of such silver coinage underscored the League's economic prosperity, military strength, and sovereign status amidst the complex political landscape following Alexander the Great's empire fragmentation.
Artistry: While the specific engraver remains anonymous, this coin exemplifies the robust and dynamic stylistic trends of the Hellenistic period. Aetolian staters typically feature the head of the eponymous hero Aetolos on the obverse, often with a vigorous expression reflecting the League's martial spirit. The reverse commonly portrays Aetolos standing, holding a spear and sword, a powerful iconographic representation of their military prowess. The artistry captures a sense of realism and movement characteristic of Hellenistic numismatic portraiture.
Technical/Grading: Weighing 10.36 grams and measuring 24 millimeters, this stater exhibits typical specifications. Key high-points for grading include the details of Aetolos's hair, facial features, and the musculature and drapery of the reverse figure. A well-struck example would show full definition in these areas, requiring careful die preparation. Minor flan imperfections or slight off-centering are not uncommon, but a strong strike revealing clear legends and complete design elements is highly desirable for collectors.