Tetradrachm - Attalus I

Đơn vị phát hành Pergamon
Năm 241 BC - 197 BC
Loại Standard circulation coin
Mệnh giá Tetradrachm (4)
Tiền tệ Drachm
Chất liệu Silver
Trọng lượng 16.93 g
Đường kính
Độ dày
Hình dạng Round (irregular)
Kỹ thuật Hammered
Hướng
Nghệ nhân khắc
Lưu hành đến
Tài liệu tham khảo SNG France#1610, BostonMFA#1611
Mô tả mặt trước Laureate head of Philetarus right.
Chữ viết mặt trước
Chữ khắc mặt trước
Mô tả mặt sau Helmeted Athena seated left, resting on shield, holding spear with left hand and crowning with right the legend; behind, bow, in inner left field A and in outer left field, ivy leaf.
Chữ viết mặt sau Greek
Chữ khắc mặt sau ΦΙΛΕΤΑΙΡΟΥ A
Cạnh
Xưởng đúc
Số lượng đúc ND (241 BC - 197 BC) - -
ID Numisquare 7963922740
Thông tin bổ sung

Historical Context: This silver tetradrachm was issued during the reign of Attalus I Soter, who ruled Pergamon from 241 to 197 BC. His era marked the rise of the Attalid kingdom as a formidable power in the Hellenistic world. Attalus I earned his epithet "Soter" (Savior) after decisively defeating the Galatians, securing Pergamon's independence and expanding its influence. This victory allowed him to establish a significant cultural and artistic center, rivaling Athens and Alexandria. The coinage, though issued under Attalus I, prominently features the idealized portrait of Philetaerus, the founder of the Attalid dynasty, honoring the lineage and legitimacy of the Pergamene kingdom.

Artistry: The obverse of this tetradrachm presents a masterful portrait of Philetaerus, rendered in a style characteristic of the Hellenistic period's sophisticated realism. While no specific engraver is attributed, the quality suggests a highly skilled artist working within the Pergamene artistic tradition, known for its dynamic and expressive sculptural works. The reverse depicts Athena enthroned, holding a wreath and shield, with a spear resting against her. Athena, as the patron goddess of Pergamon, symbolizes the city's strength and wisdom. The overall design reflects the Attalids' ambition to project an image of power, cultural refinement, and divine favor, employing a classicizing yet subtly baroque aesthetic.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a substantial silver flan weighing 16.93 grams, this tetradrachm typically exhibits a strong strike, though centering can vary. High-points for wear on the obverse include the details of Philetaerus's hair and diadem, as well as the prominent features of his face. On the reverse, critical areas for detail include Athena's facial features, the intricacies of her drapery, the wreath in her hand, and the devices on her shield. Collectors often seek examples with full, clear strikes on both sides, particularly for the often-delicate details of Athena's throne and the various mint marks or monograms that appear in the reverse field, such as the referenced SNG France#1610 and BostonMFA#1611 examples.

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