Tetradrachm - Nicocles In the name of Alexander III

Đơn vị phát hành Paphos
Năm 325 BC - 317 BC
Loại Standard circulation coin
Mệnh giá Tetradrachm (4)
Tiền tệ Drachm
Chất liệu Silver
Trọng lượng 17.04 g
Đường kính 26 mm
Độ dày
Hình dạng Round (irregular)
Kỹ thuật Hammered
Hướng Variable alignment ↺
Nghệ nhân khắc
Lưu hành đến
Tài liệu tham khảo Price#3123, Tziambazis#11
Mô tả mặt trước Head of Heracles right, wearing lion`s skin headdress; on lion`s mane, NIKOKΛEOYΣ.
Chữ viết mặt trước Greek
Chữ khắc mặt trước NIKOKΛEOYΣ
(Translation: Nicocles)
Mô tả mặt sau Zeus Seated left; holding eagle in right hand and sceptre in left; in left field, monogram, and below the throne, laurel sprig.
Chữ viết mặt sau Greek
Chữ khắc mặt sau BAΣIΛEΩΣ AΛEΞANΔPOY
Cạnh
Xưởng đúc
Số lượng đúc ND (325 BC - 317 BC) - -
ID Numisquare 9242874090
Thông tin bổ sung

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.

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