Catalogue
| Émetteur | Kings of Bithynia |
|---|---|
| Année | 149 BC - 127 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Valeur | Tetradrachm (4) |
| Devise | Drachm |
| Composition | Silver |
| Poids | 16.60 g |
| Diamètre | 42.0 mm |
| Épaisseur | |
| Forme | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | |
| Graveur(s) | |
| En circulation jusqu’à | |
| Référence(s) | Recueil#40, SNG von Aulock#6892 |
| Description de l’avers | Diademed head of Nikomedes II to right |
|---|---|
| Écriture de l’avers | |
| Légende de l’avers | |
| Description du revers | Zeus standing facing, his head turned to left, holding wreath in his right hand and scepter in his left. To left, eagle standing on thunderbolt above monogram |
| Écriture du revers | Greek |
| Légende du revers | ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΕΠΙΦΑΝΟΥΣ ΝΙΚΟΜΗΔΟΥ |
| Tranche | |
| Atelier | |
| Tirage |
ND (149 BC - 127 BC) - - |
| ID Numisquare | 2451983660 |
| Informations supplémentaires |
Historical Context: This silver tetradrachm, struck between 149 BC and 127 BC, originates from the reign of Nikomedes II Epiphanes of Bithynia. Nikomedes ascended the throne by overthrowing his father, Prusias II, with Roman backing, signaling Bithynia's alignment with Rome. His epithet "Epiphanes" (God Manifest) underscored his claim to divine legitimacy. These coins asserted royal authority and facilitated trade during a complex Hellenistic era, with Nikomedia as a prominent mint.
Artistry: The obverse features a finely rendered, diademed portrait of Nikomedes II Epiphanes, characteristic of late Hellenistic royal portraiture. The anonymous engraver captured a regal, realistic likeness, emphasizing authority through the strong profile and diadem. The reverse depicts Zeus enthroned, holding a scepter and an eagle, a standard iconographic choice associating the monarch with the chief Olympian deity. The legend "BASILEWS NIKOMHDOY EPIFANOYS" legitimizes the king's rule.
Technical/Grading: Weighing 16.60 grams and struck on a 42.0 mm flan, this tetradrachm adheres to the Attic standard. Obverse high points include hair, diadem, and facial features; reverse high points are Zeus's head, torso, and eagle. A well-struck example shows full detail on the king's coiffure and Zeus's drapery. Centering and strike evenness across the broad flan are critical for technical quality, alongside silver surface preservation. Die wear and metal integrity also contribute to assessment.