Catalogus
| Uitgever | Kos |
|---|---|
| Jaar | 280 BC - 250 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Waarde | Tetradrachm (4) |
| Valuta | Drachm |
| Samenstelling | Silver |
| Gewicht | 14.72 g |
| Diameter | 24.0 mm |
| Dikte | |
| Vorm | Round (irregular) |
| Techniek | Hammered, Incuse |
| Oriëntatie | |
| Graveur(s) | |
| In omloop tot | |
| Referentie(s) | SNG von Aulock#8172, HN Online#526 |
| Beschrijving voorzijde | Bearded head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin |
|---|---|
| Schrift voorzijde | |
| Opschrift voorzijde | |
| Beschrijving keerzijde | Crab, name of the magistrate below with a bow in its bow case below it and all in dotted square within incuse square |
| Schrift keerzijde | Greek |
| Opschrift keerzijde | Κ ΩΙΟ Ν ΓΝΩΣΙΔΙΚΟΣ |
| Rand | |
| Muntplaats | |
| Oplage |
ND (280 BC - 250 BC) - - |
| Numisquare-ID | 3736391270 |
| Aanvullende informatie |
Historical Context: This silver tetradrachm, issued by Kos between 280 and 250 BC, dates to the early Hellenistic period. Following Alexander the Great's death, Kos navigated the Diadochi landscape, often aligning with Ptolemaic Egypt due to its strategic location and cultural prestige. The magistrate Gnosidikos oversaw this issue, signifying civic autonomy. Renowned for its Asclepieion and prosperity, Kos produced substantial silver coinage vital for regional and international trade.
Artistry: The coin exemplifies sophisticated Hellenistic artistry. The obverse typically features a youthful Herakles head, right, wearing the Nemean lion-skin, a design popularized by Alexander's coinage, linking Koan power with heroic ideals. The reverse displays the island's emblem, a crab, accompanied by Herakles' club, the city ethnic ΚΩΙΟΝ, and magistrate Gnosidikos. Though the engraver is anonymous, execution reflects high standards of Greek die-cutting, blending classical idealism with Hellenistic naturalism.
Technical/Grading: Struck on a 24.0 mm flan, this 14.72 gram silver tetradrachm adheres to a slightly reduced Attic weight standard. Key high-points for evaluation include Herakles' forehead, cheek, and the lion's muzzle on the obverse, and the crab's carapace and claws on the reverse. A well-struck example exhibits sharp details in Herakles' hair and lion-skin, plus crisp rendering of the crab and legends. While centering and strike pressure vary, a strong strike ensures full detail, indicative of quality die work.