Tetradrachm - Deinomenid Tyranny

発行体 Syracuse
年号 480 BC - 475 BC
種類 Standard circulation coin
額面 Tetradrachm (20)
通貨 Litra
材質 Silver
重量 17.07 g
直径 23.0 mm
厚さ
形状 Round (irregular)
製造技法 Hammered
向き
彫刻師
流通終了年
参考文献 Boehringer#175
表面の説明 Male charioteer, wearing a long chiton and holding a goad in his right hand and the reins in both, driving a walking quadriga to right. Above Nike flying right to crown the horses
表面の文字体系
表面の銘文
裏面の説明 Head of Arethusa to right, wearing neck­lace and pearl diadem, and with her hair tied in a krobylos that is bound up and falls over her diadem. Around, four dolphins swimming right
裏面の文字体系 Greek
裏面の銘文 ΣVRΑΚΟΣΙΟΝ
鋳造所
鋳造数 ND (480 BC - 475 BC) - -
Numisquare ID 7576002150
追加情報

Historical Context: This tetradrachm originates from Syracuse during the Deinomenid Tyranny (480-475 BC) under Gelon I and his successor Hieron I. This era marked Syracuse's ascendancy as a dominant Greek power, largely cemented by the decisive victory over Carthage at the Battle of Himera in 480 BC. The Deinomenids utilized coinage as powerful propaganda, celebrating military and Olympic triumphs, solidifying their authority and projecting Syracuse's newfound prestige.

Artistry: The coin's design exemplifies the nascent Early Classical style, moving beyond Archaic conventions towards greater naturalism. While the engraver remains anonymous, their skill is evident. The obverse typically features a dynamic quadriga, often crowned by Nike, commemorating the tyrants' chariot victories and the Himera triumph. The reverse presents the iconic head of the nymph Arethusa, patron goddess of Syracuse, encircled by four dolphins, symbolizing the city's maritime power and island location.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a broad flan, this silver tetradrachm weighs 17.07 grams and measures 23.0 millimeters, adhering to the Attic standard. Key high-points susceptible to wear include the charioteer's head and horses' forelegs on the obverse, and Arethusa's hair and the dolphins' bodies on the reverse. Well-preserved examples exhibit strong strike quality, often with good centering and clear details, though striking pressure variability is common for issues of this period, as cataloged by Boehringer #175.

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