Tetradrachm

Historical Context: This Tetradrachm was issued by Ephesos, a prominent Greek city in Ionia, from 131 BC to 68 BC. This era saw Ephesos function as a free city under Roman suzerainty, following the Attalid bequest to Rome in 133 BC. It served as a key provincial capital and economic hub, enduring the turbulent Mithridatic Wars. This coinage underscores Ephesos's enduring autonomy and prosperity, vital for regional commerce and its status as a major cult center for Artemis.

Artistry: Reflecting the Late Hellenistic stylistic school, anonymous engravers produced designs blending classical tradition with naturalism. The obverse features the sacred bee of Ephesos, depicted with straight wings, a potent symbol of the city and its devotion to Artemis. The reverse presents a graceful stag standing right, head turned back, with a quiver at its shoulder—another iconic attribute of the goddess. Magistrate's names on the reverse are characteristic of these "new style" tetradrachms, denoting local civic control over minting.

Technical/Grading: Struck in silver, weighing 12.6 grams and measuring 25 millimeters, this coin adheres to the prevalent Attic weight standard. High-points prone to wear include the bee's central body and wings on the obverse, and the stag's head and musculature on the reverse, alongside magistrate's legends. The fabric typically features a broad, well-centered flan, enabling full depiction of the intricate designs. While strike pressure was generally strong, minor flatness on highest relief areas can occur, though the Ephesian mint's technical quality was robust.