| Aversbeschreibung |
Head of youthful Dionysos to right, wearing taenia and ivy wreath, and with his hair partially knotted at the back and partially falling down the back of his neck. On the taenia between the two lower ivy leaves, Μ |
| Aversschrift |
Greek |
| Averslegende |
M |
| Reversbeschreibung |
Nude Dionysos standing to left with cloak over his left arm, holding bunch of grapes in his right and narthex stalks in his left. To left, monogram |
| Reversschrift |
Greek |
| Reverslegende |
ΔΙΟΝΥΣΟΥ ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ ΜΑΡΩΝΙΤΩΝ |
| Rand |
|
| Prägestätte |
|
| Auflage |
ND (175 BC - 150 BC) - -
|
| Numisquare-ID |
8037826080 |
Historical Context: This silver tetradrachm, struck by the city of Maroneia between 175 and 150 BC, represents a period of significant economic prosperity and political autonomy for this Thracian coastal city. Maroneia was renowned throughout the ancient world for its exceptional wine production, a critical economic driver that facilitated extensive trade across the Aegean. The issuance of such a large denomination coin underscores the city's robust commercial activity and its independent status in a Hellenistic world increasingly influenced by Roman power, prior to the full subjugation of Macedonia and Thrace.
Artistry: The coin's design reflects the late Hellenistic artistic traditions prevalent in the region. The obverse typically features a finely rendered head of the youthful Dionysus, patron deity of Maroneia, wreathed with ivy leaves. The civic mint engravers skillfully captured the god's idealized beauty and serene expression. The reverse often depicts Dionysus standing or riding a panther, holding his thyrsus and kantharos, a direct allusion to the city's viticulture. This iconography powerfully reinforces Maroneia's identity and its most famous export.
Technical/Grading: This example, weighing 16.58 grams, adheres closely to the standard Attic weight for a tetradrachm. Key high-points for assessing strike quality include the intricate details of Dionysus's hair and ivy wreath on the obverse, and the musculature of the panther and Dionysus's attributes on the reverse. A well-struck specimen will exhibit sharp details, good centering, and minimal die wear. Flan fabric is generally broad and somewhat thin, and while original luster is rare, a strong strike will reveal the full artistic intent of the engravers.