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Tetradrachm
| Issuer | Kyrene |
|---|---|
| Year | 570 BC - 525 BC |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
| Shape | Log in to see details |
| Technique | Log in to see details |
| Orientation | Log in to see details |
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| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | Log in to see details |
| Reverse description | Incuse square punch dominating the reverse field, divided into two main rectangular compartments by a central vertical ridge, a technique characteristic of archaic Greek coinage employing the early incuse method. Within each compartment, faint figural or geometric impressions are discernible, consistent with the transitional incuse punch types of early Kyrenean tetradrachms. The surrounding field is flat and undecorated, bounded by the irregular edge of the hammered flan. No legend is present. The deep, recessed relief of the punch contrasts with the raised obverse design, exemplifying the standard archaic minting technique of this period. |
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| Edge | Log in to see details |
| Mint | Kyrene |
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| Additional information |
Kyrene's early coinage was almost certainly tied to the silphium trade — the city-state held a near-monopoly on the plant, which commanded extraordinary prices across the Mediterranean world as a condiment, medicine, and contraceptive. Control of that export made Kyrene one of the wealthiest poleis in North Africa, and the resources to strike heavy silver tetradrachms reflected that position directly.
The Aiginetan weight standard used here places these issues firmly within the commercial networks of the eastern Mediterranean before Kyrene realigned toward Attic-weight coinage later in the fifth century.