Catalogo
| Emittente | Pherai |
|---|---|
| Anno | 369 BC - 358 BC |
| Tipo | Standard circulation coin |
| Valore | Silver Stater (3) |
| Valuta | Drachm |
| Composizione | Silver |
| Peso | 11.92 g |
| Diametro | 24.5 mm |
| Spessore | |
| Forma | Round (irregular) |
| Tecnica | Hammered |
| Orientamento | |
| Incisore/i | |
| In circolazione fino al | |
| Riferimento/i | BCD Thessaly I#1308 |
| Descrizione del dritto | Laureate head of Ennodia to right, wearing triangular pendant earring and pearl necklace |
|---|---|
| Scrittura del dritto | Greek |
| Legenda del dritto | ΕΝ ΝΟΔ ΙΑΣ |
| Descrizione del rovescio | Alexander riding horse galloping to right, the reins in his left hand and a lance held level in his right, wearing cavalry helmet, cuirass and with his sheathed sword on a baldric around his chest; on horse’s rump, double ax |
| Scrittura del rovescio | Greek |
| Legenda del rovescio | ΑΛ ΕΞΑΝΔ ΡΕ Ι Ο Σ |
| Bordo | |
| Zecca | |
| Tiratura |
ND (369 BC - 358 BC) - - |
| ID Numisquare | 2975772970 |
| Informazioni aggiuntive |
Historical Context: This silver stater was issued by Alexander of Pherai, a formidable tyrant who dominated Thessaly between 369 and 358 BC. His reign marked a turbulent period of intense power struggles within the region, as he aggressively expanded Pherai's influence, clashing with the Thessalian League and formidable external powers like Thebes and Macedon. Alexander's ambition to unify Thessaly under his rule, though ultimately unsuccessful and ending with his assassination, saw Pherai minting coinage reflecting its significant, albeit brief, ascendancy.
Artistry: The coin exemplifies the refined classical artistry prevalent in Thessaly during this era. While the specific engraver remains anonymous, the stylistic school is distinctly Greek, showcasing a mastery of form. The obverse typically features a finely rendered head of a deity, often Persephone or Hekate, presented with elegant drapery and expressive features. The reverse commonly depicts a horseman, a motif deeply rooted in Thessalian identity and its famed cavalry, rendered with dynamic movement and anatomical precision.
Technical/Grading: Struck on a substantial silver flan weighing 11.92 gg and measuring 24.5 mmmm, this stater exhibits robust strike qualities. Key high-points for evaluation include the intricate hair details on the obverse deity and the musculature and attire of the horseman on the reverse. A well-centered strike, free from significant die wear, would reveal the full artistic intent, ensuring clarity of legend and complete design elements, indicative of superior preservation.