Katalog
| Emitent | Kos |
|---|---|
| Rok | 285 BC - 258 BC |
| Typ | Standard circulation coin |
| Hodnota | Tetradrachm (4) |
| Měna | Drachm |
| Složení | Silver |
| Hmotnost | 15.01 g |
| Průměr | 26.0 mm |
| Tloušťka | |
| Tvar | Round (irregular) |
| Technika | Hammered |
| Orientace | |
| Rytci | |
| V oběhu do | |
| Reference | SNG Copenhagen#627, SNG Berry#1116 |
| Popis líce | Bearded head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin |
|---|---|
| Písmo líce | |
| Opis líce | |
| Popis rubu | Crab, name of the magistrate below with a bow in its bow case below it and all in dotted square within incuse square |
| Písmo rubu | Greek |
| Opis rubu | Κ ΩΙΟ Ν ΛΕΩΔΑΜΑΣ |
| Hrana | |
| Mincovna | |
| Náklad |
ND (285 BC - 258 BC) - - |
| ID Numisquare | 8996398680 |
| Další informace |
Historical Context: This Tetradrachm, issued by the island polis of Kos between 285 and 258 BC, bears the magistrate Leodamas's name. This early Hellenistic era saw Kos, a significant maritime and cultural center known for its Asclepius sanctuary, maintain autonomy amidst powerful Diadochi kingdoms. The coin's 15.01-gram weight aligns with the Rhodian standard, adopted by Kos, reflecting its economic ties and prosperity.
Artistry: The artistic execution exemplifies the robust style of the early Hellenistic period. While the engraver is anonymous, the obverse typically features a powerful Herakles wearing the Nemean lion skin, a common motif of strength. The reverse often displays a crab (Karkinos), a pun on the island's name, accompanied by Herakles' attributes: his club and a bow in a quiver. This blend of heroic imagery and local symbolism communicates the city's identity.
Technical/Grading: Produced in silver, 26.0 millimeters in diameter, the coin's technical quality is crucial. Key high-points for wear on the obverse include Herakles' facial features and the lion's mane. On the reverse, the crab's carapace, claws, and the club and quiver details are critical. A well-preserved example exhibits a strong, even strike, ensuring full detail on both sides, good centering, and minimal die wear, reflecting the Koan mint's skilled craftsmanship.