Catalogue
| Émetteur | Characene, Kingdom of |
|---|---|
| Année | 109 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Valeur | Tetradrachm (4) |
| Devise | Drachm |
| Composition | Silver |
| Poids | 16.06 g |
| Diamètre | 33 mm |
| Épaisseur | |
| Forme | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | |
| Graveur(s) | |
| En circulation jusqu’à | |
| Référence(s) | BMC Greek#1, Alram#495 |
| Description de l’avers | Head of Apodakos right, diademed. |
|---|---|
| Écriture de l’avers | |
| Légende de l’avers | |
| Description du revers | Herakles seated left on anvil-shaped seat, nude, resting left arm on seat, holding with right hand a club resting on his right knee; flanked by lettering downwards, monogram in left field, date in exergue. |
| Écriture du revers | Greek |
| Légende du revers |
ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΠΟΔΑΚΟΥ ΔΙ ΓΣ (Translation: King Apodakos) |
| Tranche | |
| Atelier | |
| Tirage |
ND (-109) - - |
| ID Numisquare | 2009334850 |
| Informations supplémentaires |
Historical Context: This silver Tetradrachm, issued in 109 BC, belongs to Apodakos, an early and significant ruler of the Kingdom of Characene. Situated at the strategic head of the Persian Gulf, Characene emerged from the fragmentation of the Seleucid Empire. Apodakos's reign (c. 110/09 – 104/03 BC) consolidated the kingdom and fostered economic prosperity through maritime trade. This coinage thus symbolizes Characene's assertion of sovereignty and growing economic power in the Hellenistic East, reflecting a crucial period of regional independence.
Artistry: The coin's design reflects strong Hellenistic artistic tradition, influenced by Seleucid prototypes. The obverse features a finely rendered, diademed portrait of Apodakos, facing right, embodying royal authority and Hellenistic naturalism. The reverse commonly depicts a seated Herakles on a rock, holding a club, accompanied by Greek legends identifying Apodakos as "King, Savior, and Benefactor." This stylistic choice emphasizes regal representation and divine association, characteristic of the period and providing insight into the ruler's self-presentation.
Technical/Grading: Struck in silver, this tetradrachm weighs 16.06 grams and measures 33 millimeters, adhering to a slightly reduced Attic standard common for the region. Key high-points for wear or strike quality include the ruler's hair, diadem, nose, and chin on the obverse, and Herakles' musculature, club, and rock on the reverse. Well-preserved examples exhibit a strong, even strike with good centering, showcasing intricate details and indicating a carefully executed coinage program consistent with the references BMC Greek#1 and Alram#495.