Tetradrachm Deinomenid tyranny

Đơn vị phát hành Syracuse
Năm 483 BC - 480 BC
Loại Standard circulation coin
Mệnh giá Tetradrachm (20)
Tiền tệ Litra
Chất liệu Silver
Trọng lượng 17.07 g
Đường kính
Độ dày
Hình dạng Round (irregular)
Kỹ thuật Hammered
Hướng
Nghệ nhân khắc
Lưu hành đến
Tài liệu tham khảo SNG ANS 5#19, Jameson#747, Boehringer#76, BostonMFA#341, Dewing#696
Mô tả mặt trước Bearded charioteer driving quadriga walking to left. Above, Nike flying left to crown the horses
Chữ viết mặt trước
Chữ khắc mặt trước
Mô tả mặt sau Diademed head of Arethusa to right, her hair tied in a krobylos. Around, four dolphins swimming to right
Chữ viết mặt sau Greek
Chữ khắc mặt sau ΣVRΑΚΟΣΙΟΝ
Cạnh
Xưởng đúc
Số lượng đúc ND (483 BC - 480 BC) - -
ID Numisquare 9973630990
Thông tin bổ sung

Historical Context: This Tetradrachm, struck 483-480 BC, falls within the early Deinomenid tyranny of Syracuse, under Gelon. This era precedes his pivotal victory at Himera (480 BC) against the Carthaginians, which solidified Syracuse's power and brought immense wealth. The coinage reflects the city's burgeoning economic and political dominance, adopting the Attic weight standard of 17.07 grams, signaling its expanding influence across the Greek world.

Artistry: Artistically, this tetradrachm exemplifies the transition from Archaic to Early Classical Greek style. While engravers are often anonymous for this period, the dies showcase developing naturalism. The obverse typically features a powerful quadriga with a charioteer, symbolizing the tyrants' panhellenic game victories. The reverse depicts the iconic head of the nymph Arethusa, Syracuse's patron, encircled by dolphins. Her form evolves from archaic stiffness towards a more serene, idealized classical expression.

Technical/Grading: Technically, key high-points on the obverse include the horses' musculature and the charioteer's drapery. On the reverse, the clarity of Arethusa's hair and facial features, alongside the distinctness of the dolphins, are crucial. A superior strike exhibits full detail on these elements, with good centering and minimal die wear. The substantial silver weight of 17.07 grams confirms its tetradrachm status, struck on a broad flan for its complex design.

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