Katalog
| Emittent | Kings of Pontos |
|---|---|
| Jahr | 196 BC - 155 BC |
| Typ | Standard circulation coin |
| Nennwert | Tetradrachm (4) |
| Währung | Drachm |
| Material | Silver |
| Gewicht | 17.05 g |
| Durchmesser | 31 mm |
| Dicke | |
| Form | Round (irregular) |
| Prägetechnik | Hammered |
| Ausrichtung | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Stempelschneider | |
| Im Umlauf bis | |
| Referenz(en) | HGC 7#323 Sea#1025 , BMC Greek#1 , Recueil#4 |
| Aversbeschreibung | Diademed and bearded head of Pharnakes I to right. |
|---|---|
| Aversschrift | |
| Averslegende | |
| Reversbeschreibung | Pantheistic male deity standing facing, wearing flat hat topped with a thunderbolt, holding cornucopiae and kerykeion with his left hand and feeding fawn standing right with a vine branch held in his right; in inner left field, star-in-crescent (Pontic royal badge); in inner right field, monogram of ΠAΣ. |
| Reversschrift | Greek |
| Reverslegende | BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΦAPNAKOY |
| Rand | |
| Prägestätte | |
| Auflage |
ND (196 BC - 155 BC) - - |
| Numisquare-ID | 8266027200 |
| Zusätzliche Informationen |
Historical Context: This silver tetradrachm was issued during the reign of Pharnaces I, King of Pontus (196-155 BC). An ambitious Hellenistic monarch, Pharnaces I significantly expanded the Pontic Kingdom, notably capturing Sinope, his new capital. His reign involved frequent conflicts with neighboring states and an assertive foreign policy. This substantial silver coinage underscored his independent sovereignty, financing military endeavors and facilitating trade across his expanding dominion.
Artistry: The obverse typically features a finely rendered, diademed portrait of Pharnaces I, facing right, embodying the Hellenistic royal ideal. Though engravers are anonymous, the stylistic school reflects sophisticated Hellenistic portraiture, blending idealized features with realism to convey monarchical authority. The reverse commonly depicts an enthroned Apollo, holding a lyre, accompanied by BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΦAPNAKOY and various monograms. This iconography links the king to a prominent Greek deity, suggesting divine endorsement and cultural affinity.
Technical/Grading: Struck from a silver flan weighing 17.05 grams and measuring 31 millimeters, this tetradrachm adheres closely to the Attic weight standard, indicating robust metrological control. High-points for wear and strike assessment on the obverse include the diadem, hair, nose, and chin. On the reverse, critical areas are Apollo's head, limbs, lyre, and throne details. A well-struck example exhibits full detail, good centering, and a strong, even strike, minimizing flatness.