Katalog
| Emitent | Mende |
|---|---|
| Rok | 460 BC - 423 BC |
| Typ | Standard circulation coin |
| Hodnota | Tetradrachm (4) |
| Měna | Drachm |
| Složení | Silver |
| Hmotnost | 17.29 g |
| Průměr | 27 mm |
| Tloušťka | |
| Tvar | Round (irregular) |
| Technika | Hammered, Incuse |
| Orientace | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Rytci | |
| V oběhu do | |
| Reference | Noe Mende#77-78 7#342 Spencer-Church#123 , Jameson#1956 |
| Popis líce | Dionysos, bearded, with his head to left, wearing an ivy wreath and a chiton, reclining to right on the back of a donkey walking to right, holding a kantharos with his right hand and resting his left on the donkey`s side; to right, crow perched on an ivy plant to right; under the donkey, small dog standing to right. |
|---|---|
| Písmo líce | |
| Opis líce | |
| Popis rubu | Vine with five bunches of grapes; all within incuse square. |
| Písmo rubu | Greek |
| Opis rubu | ΜΕΝ ΔΑ Ι ΟΝ |
| Hrana | |
| Mincovna | |
| Náklad |
ND (460 BC - 423 BC) - - |
| ID Numisquare | 3643710250 |
| Další informace |
Historical Context: This silver tetradrachm, issued by Mende between 460 and 423 BC, signifies a peak in the Chalkidian city's prosperity. Celebrated for its Mendaean wine, Mende’s economic strength during the Classical era supported its substantial silver coinage. This period, encompassing the Peloponnesian War, saw Mende navigate complex political alliances while maintaining commercial prominence. Such high-value currency highlights its status as a wealthy and influential trade hub.
Artistry: The artistic execution of this tetradrachm exemplifies the Early Classical or Severe Style, marked by a progression towards naturalism. While the engraver is unknown, the design is powerfully symbolic. The obverse features Dionysus, god of wine, riding a donkey, a direct visual reference to Mende's famed wine industry and associated cult. Dionysus is often depicted dynamically, with the donkey rendered anatomically. The reverse typically displays a lush Mendaean vine heavy with grapes, reinforcing the city's vinicultural identity.
Technical/Grading: Struck from 17.29 grams of silver and measuring 27 mm, this tetradrachm is substantial. Key high-points for assessing strike quality and preservation include Dionysus's head and torso, the donkey's face and musculature on the obverse, and the central grape clusters and main vine branches on the reverse. A premium example exhibits a strong, well-centered strike, ensuring full detail on both sides, with minimal flaws or die wear. The obverse's high relief often necessitates a powerful strike for complete rendering.