Catalog
| Issuer | Aetolian League |
|---|---|
| Year | 238 BC - 228 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | Tetradrachm (4) |
| Currency | Attic drachm |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 16.92 g |
| Diameter | 28.5 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | Tsangari#466 , BostonMFA Supp#90 , McClean#5401 |
| Obverse description | Head of beardless Herakles in lion skin headdress to right. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | |
| Obverse lettering | |
| Reverse description | Aitolia, wearing kausia, hunting boots and a short chiton that leaves her right breast bare, holding a spear with her right hand and a sword with her left, seated to right on a Macedonian shield atop a pile of Gallic shield ones; on the ground below her spear, carnyx; to right monogram of ΑΤ over ΖΗ. |
| Reverse script | Greek |
| Reverse lettering | ΑΙΤΩΛΩΝ |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (238 BC - 228 BC) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 4604568440 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This silver tetradrachm, issued by the Aetolian League (238-228 BC), stems from a dynamic Hellenistic era. The League, a powerful federal state, was a dominant force, frequently clashing with Macedonian and Achaean rivals. This decade marked a zenith of Aetolian influence, characterized by active military campaigns and complex diplomacy. Issuing substantial silver coinage underscored their economic strength and political sovereignty, financing operations and projecting a unified, independent identity.
Artistry: While the engraver remains anonymous, this tetradrachm embodies the robust Hellenistic stylistic school. The obverse typically features a powerful Herakles, often wearing his Nemean lion-skin headdress, rendered with dynamic realism. The reverse frequently portrays Aetolia personified, often seated upon a pile of shields, holding a spear, symbolizing the League's martial prowess. Artistic execution showcases idealization and naturalism, with intricate details in musculature and drapery, reflecting advanced Aetolian craftsmanship.
Technical/Grading: Struck on a 28.5 mm flan and weighing 16.92 grams, this tetradrachm adheres to the Attic standard. Key high-points for wear include Herakles' forehead and lion's muzzle on the obverse, and Aetolia's head and exposed limbs on the reverse. A well-preserved example exhibits strong strike quality, with full details evident on both sides, particularly in Herakles' hair and Aetolia's drapery. Minor flan imperfections or slight off-centering are common.