Æ Tetradrachm - Attambelos I

Đơn vị phát hành Characene, Kingdom of
Năm 40 BC
Loại Standard circulation coin
Mệnh giá Tetradrachm (4)
Tiền tệ Drachm
Chất liệu Bronze
Trọng lượng 13.75 g
Đường kính 29 mm
Độ dày
Hình dạng Round (irregular)
Kỹ thuật Hammered
Hướng
Nghệ nhân khắc
Lưu hành đến
Tài liệu tham khảo BMC Greek#3
Mô tả mặt trước Head of Attambelos I to right, diademed, bearded.
Chữ viết mặt trước
Chữ khắc mặt trước
Mô tả mặt sau Herakles seated left on anvil-shaped seat, nude, holding with right hand a club set on his right knee flanked vertically by lettering, a monogram before his head, date in exergue.
Chữ viết mặt sau Greek
Chữ khắc mặt sau ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΑΤΤΑΜΒΗΛΟΥ ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ ΚΑΙ ΕΥΕΡΓΕΤΟΥ
(Translation: Basileos Attambeloi Soteros Kaisar Euergetou. King Attambelos the savior, the benefactor caesar.)
Cạnh
Xưởng đúc
Số lượng đúc ND (-40) - ΒΟΣ -
ID Numisquare 7472513160
Thông tin bổ sung

Historical Context: This Æ Tetradrachm, dated 40 BC, was issued by Attambelos I of Characene, a crucial Hellenistic kingdom at the Persian Gulf's head. Reigning from circa 47/46 BC to 25/24 BC, Attambelos I skillfully navigated geopolitical pressures from Parthia and Rome. This bronze coinage highlights Characene's economic prosperity and autonomy, driven by its pivotal role in East-West trade. It reflects the kingdom's self-sufficiency and adherence to Hellenistic numismatic traditions, despite nominal Parthian vassalage.

Artistry: The coin’s design merges Hellenistic artistic conventions with local Characenian interpretations. While no engraver is named, the stylistic school follows the Hellenistic tradition of royal portraiture. The obverse typically presents a diademed bust of King Attambelos I, conveying authority and dynastic legitimacy. The reverse commonly features a seated figure, often Herakles, or an eagle, with Greek legends identifying the monarch. These designs reflect Characene's cultural heritage and local veneration.

Technical/Grading: Struck in bronze, this 29 mm, 13.75 gg tetradrachm (BMC Greek#3) displays traits typical of Characenian issues. High-points for wear include the king's diadem, hair, nose, and chin on the obverse, and the reverse figure's musculature. Strike quality varies; a desirable example exhibits a centered design with clear facial features and legible legends. Bronze coinage is susceptible to corrosion and often has softer strikes than silver, making pieces with strong details and minimal degradation highly prized.

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