Tetradrachm

Historical Context: This silver Tetradrachm from Alabanda, struck between 167 BC and 166 BC, emerges from a pivotal era in Carian history. Following the Treaty of Apamea in 188 BC, which solidified Roman influence in Asia Minor, Alabanda, like many other cities, navigated a complex landscape of nominal independence under Roman hegemony. This specific dating marks a period of relative stability and economic resurgence for the city, enabling the issuance of significant silver coinage on the Attic standard (16.90 gg). Such issues were crucial for facilitating regional and international trade, reflecting Alabanda's prosperity and its engagement with the broader Hellenistic economy, even as the shadow of Roman power grew. The coin thus serves as a tangible record of civic autonomy and economic confidence in the mid-2nd century BC.

Artistry: The artistic design of this Tetradrachm exemplifies the Hellenistic stylistic school prevalent in Asia Minor during this period. The obverse typically features a finely rendered laureate head of Apollo, often depicted with a youthful yet mature countenance, his features imbued with a classical idealization softened by Hellenistic naturalism. The reverse commonly displays a Pegasus flying right, a potent civic emblem for Alabanda, frequently accompanied by the city's name (ALABANΔEΩN) and various monograms, all encircled by a laurel wreath. While the specific engraver remains anonymous, the quality of the die work often showcases a skilled hand capable of conveying both the divine majesty of Apollo and the dynamic grace of Pegasus within the constraints of the coin's fabric, reflecting local artistic traditions and broader Hellenistic trends.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a substantial silver flan weighing 16.90 grams and measuring 31.0 mm in diameter, this Tetradrachm represents a significant monetary unit. Technically, a high-quality example would exhibit a well-centered strike, ensuring the full depiction of both the Apollo head on the obverse and the Pegasus on the reverse. Key high-points for wear on the obverse would include Apollo's hair over the forehead, the tip of the nose, and the chin. On the reverse, the wings, head, and hindquarters of Pegasus would show the earliest signs of circulation. Desirable technical qualities include a strong strike that brings up the intricate details of Apollo's hair and the musculature of Pegasus, minimal die wear, and a complete flan that fully contains the design elements and the encircling wreath.