Catalogus
| Uitgever | Thessalian League |
|---|---|
| Jaar | 150 BC - 100 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Waarde | Silver Stater (3) |
| Valuta | Drachm |
| Samenstelling | Silver |
| Gewicht | 6.33 g |
| Diameter | |
| Dikte | |
| Vorm | Round (irregular) |
| Techniek | Hammered |
| Oriëntatie | |
| Graveur(s) | |
| In omloop tot | |
| Referentie(s) | BCD Thessaly I#1378 |
| Beschrijving voorzijde | Head of Zeus to right, wearing oak wreath. Behind, ΣΩΣΙΒΙΟΥ |
|---|---|
| Schrift voorzijde | Greek |
| Opschrift voorzijde | ΣΩΣΙΒΙΟΥ |
| Beschrijving keerzijde | Athena Itonia striding right, hurling spear with her right hand and extending shield in her left. In the field to left and right the letters Σ-Ι / Μ-Υ and above spear and on the right, fly to the left |
| Schrift keerzijde | Greek |
| Opschrift keerzijde | ΘΕΣΣΑ ΛΩΝ Σ Ι Μ Υ |
| Rand | |
| Muntplaats | |
| Oplage |
ND (150 BC - 100 BC) - - |
| Numisquare-ID | 8317657570 |
| Aanvullende informatie |
Historical Context: This silver stater, issued by the Thessalian League between 150 and 100 BC, falls within the Late Hellenistic period, a time of shifting power dynamics as Roman influence in Greece solidified. The League, a significant regional power renowned for its cavalry and fertile plains, maintained its economic and political autonomy through a robust coinage system. The presence of the magistrates' names, Sosivios and Simy[...], attests to the collegiate oversight of the mint, reflecting the League's administrative structure and its continued assertion of self-governance despite the growing shadow of Rome.
Artistry: While the specific engraver remains anonymous, the artistry of this stater aligns with the broader Late Hellenistic stylistic school, characterized by a blend of classical idealization and nascent realism. Thessalian coinage of this era typically features a laureate head of a deity or hero on the obverse, often rendered with fine detail and expressive features. The reverse commonly depicts a prancing or galloping horse, a proud emblem of Thessaly's famed cavalry, executed with dynamic musculature and spirited movement. The magistrates' names would be skillfully integrated into the reverse field.
Technical/Grading: Struck on a silver flan weighing 6.33 grams, this stater adheres to the established weight standard for the denomination. For optimal grading, key high-points to observe include the intricate details of the hair and facial features on the obverse, and the musculature, mane, and hooves of the horse on the reverse. A strong, centered strike would reveal full detail on both sides, with minimal evidence of die wear or flan imperfections. The overall technical quality reflects the League's continued commitment to producing high-standard coinage.