Katalog
| Emittent | Paphos |
|---|---|
| Jahr | 325 BC - 317 BC |
| Typ | Standard circulation coin |
| Nennwert | Tetradrachm (4) |
| Währung | Drachm |
| Material | Silver |
| Gewicht | 17.04 g |
| Durchmesser | 26 mm |
| Dicke | |
| Form | Round (irregular) |
| Prägetechnik | Hammered |
| Ausrichtung | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Stempelschneider | |
| Im Umlauf bis | |
| Referenz(en) | Price#3123, Tziambazis#11 |
| Aversbeschreibung | Head of Heracles right, wearing lion`s skin headdress; on lion`s mane, NIKOKΛEOYΣ. |
|---|---|
| Aversschrift | Greek |
| Averslegende |
NIKOKΛEOYΣ (Translation: Nicocles) |
| Reversbeschreibung | Zeus Seated left; holding eagle in right hand and sceptre in left; in left field, monogram, and below the throne, laurel sprig. |
| Reversschrift | Greek |
| Reverslegende | BAΣIΛEΩΣ AΛEΞANΔPOY |
| Rand | |
| Prägestätte | |
| Auflage |
ND (325 BC - 317 BC) - - |
| Numisquare-ID | 9242874090 |
| Zusätzliche Informationen |
Historical Context: This Tetradrachm, issued by Nicocles of Paphos (325-317 BC), reflects the complex post-Alexander political landscape. Nicocles, a Cypriot king, struck coinage in Alexander's name to leverage his enduring prestige amidst the Diadochi's rise. This Paphian issue signifies Nicocles's assertion of authority and Paphos's strategic importance, likely indicating an early alignment with Ptolemy I Soter before his full consolidation of Cyprus.
Artistry: The coin adheres to the established Alexandrine iconographic standard. The obverse features Herakles, veiled in the Nemean lion-skin headdress, a powerful symbol often interpreted as Alexander's veiled portrait. The reverse displays Zeus Aëtophoros, enthroned, holding an eagle and scepter, signifying divine authority. The anonymous engraver's style is early Hellenistic, blending late Classical idealization with emerging royal portraiture. Specific control marks (Price#3123, Tziambazis#11) identify this Paphian issue from Nicocles.
Technical/Grading: Struck in silver, this tetradrachm weighs 17.04 grams and measures 26 millimeters, adhering to the Attic standard. High-points for evaluation include Herakles's lion-skin details and facial features. On the reverse, clarity of Zeus's drapery, the distinct eagle, and scepter are crucial. Typical strike qualities show varying die wear, occasional off-centering, and minor flan irregularities. Overall strike quality and detail preservation are paramount for accurate grading.