| Obverse description |
Conjoined busts of Bellaios, diademed and wearing short beard, and Amatbene, draped and wearing stephane, right. |
| Obverse script |
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| Obverse lettering |
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| Reverse description |
Radiate Apollo standing left, quiver over shoulder, holding wreath in extended right hand and bow in lowered left; to left, monogram above HKΣ (date). |
| Reverse script |
Greek |
| Reverse lettering |
BAΣIΛEΩΣ BEΛΛAIOY BAΣIΛIΣΣHΣ AMATBHNOΣ ΦΙΛOΠATEPΩN KAI EYEPΓETΩN HKΣ |
| Edge |
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| Mint |
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| Mintage |
228 (85 BC) HKΣ - -
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| Numisquare ID |
7115126500 |
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