Tetradrachm - Menandros

Emittent Antioch ad Meandrum
Jahr 90 BC - 60 BC
Typ Standard circulation coin
Nennwert Tetradrachm (4)
Währung Drachm
Material Silver
Gewicht 16.0 g
Durchmesser 25.5 mm
Dicke
Form Round (irregular)
Prägetechnik Hammered
Ausrichtung Variable alignment ↺
Stempelschneider
Im Umlauf bis
Referenz(en) HN Online#2067
Aversbeschreibung Head of Apollo facing right, wearing a laurel wreath and with a bow and a quiver over his shoulder.
Aversschrift
Averslegende
Reversbeschreibung Zebu bull standing left, head facing. Name of the city above and name of the magistrate in exergue. All within maeander pattern border.
Reversschrift Greek
Reverslegende ANTIOXEΩN MENANΔPOΣ
Rand
Prägestätte
Auflage ND (90 BC - 60 BC) - -
Numisquare-ID 2529272630
Zusätzliche Informationen

Historical Context: This tetradrachm from Antioch ad Meandrum (90-60 BC) reflects a tumultuous Anatolian period. The city, in Caria, navigated waning Seleucid influence and rising Roman power, especially post-Mithridatic Wars. "Menandros" likely denotes a local magistrate, not the Indo-Greek king. This civic coinage signifies Antioch ad Meandrum's autonomy under Roman hegemony, vital for regional commerce during a complex political transition.

Artistry: The coin's design follows established Hellenistic numismatic traditions, likely from a skilled local workshop. Engravers are anonymous, but the stylistic school drew from broader Greek artistic currents, with regional interpretations. Typical tetradrachm designs feature a prominent deity's head, e.g., Apollo or Zeus, on the obverse, rendered with classical idealism. The reverse commonly displays a standing deity, civic emblem, or mythological scene, with the city's ethnic and magistrate's name, reflecting local identity.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a substantial 16.0 gg silver flan (25.5 mm), this tetradrachm exhibits robust Hellenistic characteristics. High-points for wear typically include the obverse portrait's highest relief areas (hair, brow, nose) and the reverse's raised limbs or drapery. Strike quality varies; well-centered examples show full details. Flan preparation was generally good, though minor imperfections or off-center strikes are not uncommon, impacting the overall technical grade.

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