Catálogo
| Emissor | Kings of Bithynia |
|---|---|
| Ano | 93 BC - 74 BC |
| Tipo | Standard circulation coin |
| Valor | Tetradrachm (4) |
| Moeda | Drachm |
| Composição | Silver |
| Peso | 16.82 g |
| Diâmetro | 29.0 mm |
| Espessura | |
| Formato | Round (irregular) |
| Técnica | Hammered |
| Orientação | |
| Gravador(es) | |
| Em circulação até | |
| Referência(s) | BMC Greek#1 |
| Descrição do anverso | Diademed head of Nikomedes IV to right |
|---|---|
| Escrita do anverso | |
| Legenda do anverso | |
| Descrição do reverso | 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 and date CΣ |
| Escrita do reverso | Greek |
| Legenda do reverso | ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΕΠΙΦΑΝΟΥΣ ΝΙΚΟΜΗΔΟΥ CΣ |
| Bordo | |
| Casa da moeda | |
| Tiragem |
-93 - ΕΣ (205) Era of Bithynia - -92 - ⵎΣ (206) Era of Bithynia - -91 - ZΣ (207) Era of Bithynia - -90 - HΣ (208) Era of Bithynia - -89 - ΘΣ (209) Era of Bithynia - -88 - ΙΣ (210) Era of Bithynia - -87 - AΙΣ (211) Era of Bithynia - -86 - BΙΣ (212) Era of Bithynia - -85 - ΓΙΣ (213) Era of Bithynia - -84 - ∆ΙΣ (214) Era of Bithynia - -83 - EΙΣ (215) Era of Bithynia - -81 - ZΙΣ (217) Era of Bithynia - -80 - ΗΙΣ (218) Era of Bithynia - -75 - ΓΚΣ (223) Era of Bithynia - -74 - ∆ΚΣ (224) Era of Bithynia - |
| ID Numisquare | 8808786790 |
| Informações adicionais |
Historical Context: This silver tetradrachm was issued by Nikomedes IV Philopator, the last independent king of Bithynia, reigning from 93 BC to 74 BC. His reign was dominated by the escalating power of Rome and the ambitions of Mithridates VI of Pontus, leading to the Mithridatic Wars. Facing constant external threats, Nikomedes ultimately bequeathed his kingdom to the Roman Republic upon his death, an act that reshaped the geopolitical landscape of Asia Minor and solidified Roman control.
Artistry: While the specific engraver remains anonymous, this tetradrachm exemplifies refined late Hellenistic portraiture. The obverse presents a realistic, diademed bust of Nikomedes IV, characterized by individualized features conveying regal authority. The reverse typically depicts Zeus enthroned to the left, holding a scepter and a wreath, with the legend "ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΝΙΚΟΜΗΔΟΥ ΦΙΛΟΠΑΤΟΡΟΣ" (of King Nikomedes Philopator). The artistic execution reflects established numismatic traditions, emphasizing divine sanction and royal legitimacy.
Technical/Grading: Struck in silver, this coin weighs 16.82 grams and measures 29.0 millimeters, consistent with the tetradrachm standard. Key high-points for wear assessment on the obverse include the king's hair, diadem, and prominent facial features. On the reverse, high-points are Zeus's head, torso, and the details of the scepter and wreath. A well-struck example would exhibit full details on these areas, with minimal flan irregularities and good centering, though minor off-centering is common.