Tetradrachm

Đơn vị phát hành Athens (Attica)
Năm 86 BC - 85 BC
Loại Standard circulation coin
Mệnh giá Tetradrachm (4)
Tiền tệ Drachm
Chất liệu Silver
Trọng lượng 16.83 g
Đường kính 29 mm
Độ dày
Hình dạng Round (irregular)
Kỹ thuật Hammered
Hướng Medal alignment ↑↑
Nghệ nhân khắc
Lưu hành đến
Tài liệu tham khảo Thompson#1365a
Mô tả mặt trước Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with Pegasos.
Chữ viết mặt trước
Chữ khắc mặt trước
Mô tả mặt sau Owl standing right, head facing, on amphora upon which also Perseus (?); A-ΘE above, O ΔEMOΣ across; all within wreath.
Chữ viết mặt sau Greek
Chữ khắc mặt sau AΘE O ΔEMOΣ
Cạnh
Xưởng đúc
Số lượng đúc ND (86 BC - 85 BC) - -
ID Numisquare 9059759530
Thông tin bổ sung

Historical Context: This Tetradrachm, dated 86-85 BC, emerges from a critical juncture in Athenian history. During the First Mithridatic War, Athens, under the demagogue Aristion, allied with Mithridates VI against Rome. This issue likely represents the city's final autonomous coinage before Sulla's brutal siege and sack in 86 BC. Its production ceased or was severely restricted thereafter, marking the definitive end of independent Athenian coinage and a profound shift from a major Hellenistic power to a Roman dependency.

Artistry: Characteristic of Athenian New Style Tetradrachms, the obverse features a finely rendered head of Athena Parthenos, facing right, wearing an elaborate Attic helmet. This helmet is typically adorned with a triple-crested griffin or Pegasus, reflecting late Hellenistic artistic trends. The reverse displays the iconic Athenian owl standing right on an amphora, flanked by magistrate monograms and a control symbol, specifically a tripod for Thompson#1365a. Engravers remain anonymous, but the style is consistent with the sophisticated, detailed artistry of the era.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a substantial silver flan, weighing 16.83 grams and measuring 29 millimeters, this issue typically exhibits good metal quality. Key high-points for grading include the crest and griffin/Pegasus on Athena's helmet, her eye, and hair details. On the reverse, the owl's breast feathers, amphora details, and legibility of magistrate names and the tripod symbol are crucial. Well-struck examples show strong relief and sharp details, though centering and die wear can occasionally affect finer points.

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