Katalog
| Emittent | Characene, Kingdom of |
|---|---|
| Jahr | 85 BC |
| Typ | Standard circulation coin |
| Nennwert | Tetradrachm (4) |
| Währung | Drachm |
| Material | Silver |
| Gewicht | 15.62 g |
| Durchmesser | 29 mm |
| Dicke | |
| Form | Round (irregular) |
| Prägetechnik | Hammered |
| Ausrichtung | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Stempelschneider | |
| Im Umlauf bis | |
| Referenz(en) |
| Aversbeschreibung | Conjoined busts of Bellaios, diademed and wearing short beard, and Amatbene, draped and wearing stephane, right. |
|---|---|
| Aversschrift | |
| Averslegende | |
| Reversbeschreibung | Radiate Apollo standing left, quiver over shoulder, holding wreath in extended right hand and bow in lowered left; to left, monogram above HKΣ (date). |
| Reversschrift | Greek |
| Reverslegende | BAΣIΛEΩΣ BEΛΛAIOY BAΣIΛIΣΣHΣ AMATBHNOΣ ΦΙΛOΠATEPΩN KAI EYEPΓETΩN HKΣ |
| Rand | |
| Prägestätte | |
| Auflage |
228 (85 BC) HKΣ - - |
| Numisquare-ID | 7115126500 |
| Zusätzliche Informationen |
Historical Context: This silver tetradrachm, struck in 85 BC, is a significant issue from the Kingdom of Characene under Bellaios I, uniquely featuring Amatbene. Bellaios I, reigning circa 90-79 BC, consolidated Characene’s independence from Seleucid influence and navigated its Parthian relations. As a vital trading emporium at the Persian Gulf, Charax Spasinou’s coinage was crucial. The inclusion of Amatbene, likely a powerful queen or co-ruler, is highly unusual, offering rare insight into early Characene political dynamics and female agency.
Artistry: The coin’s design reflects a provincial Hellenistic style characteristic of