Tetradrachm Philippsreiter Type

Émetteur Burgenland Celts
Année 200 BC - 101 BC
Type Standard circulation coin
Valeur Tetradrachm (1)
Devise Drachm
Composition Silver
Poids 11.79 g
Diamètre 22 mm
Épaisseur
Forme Round (irregular)
Technique Hammered
Orientation Variable alignment ↺
Graveur(s)
En circulation jusqu’à
Référence(s) Kostial#742, Göbl Kelt#Pl. 38 467/2
Description de l’avers Celticised, beardless and pearl-diademed head to right.
Écriture de l’avers
Légende de l’avers
Description du revers Rider on horseback to left; IVIV above, Λ before and below.
Écriture du revers
Légende du revers IVIV Λ Λ
Tranche
Atelier
Tirage ND (200 BC - 101 BC) - -
ID Numisquare 1292689470
Informations supplémentaires

Historical Context: This Tetradrachm Philippsreiter Type, issued by the Burgenland Celts (200-101 BC), exemplifies Celtic appropriation of Hellenistic coinage. During the Late Iron Age, Celtic tribes rarely minted coins with their own rulers. Instead, they imitated established coinages, notably Philip II of Macedon's tetradrachms, giving rise to this "Philippsreiter" type. These issues served as crucial instruments for trade, signifying tribal wealth and regional influence.

Artistry: The engraver remains anonymous, typical for Celtic numismatic production. Stylistically, it belongs to the Celtic imitative school, reinterpreting Greek prototypes with a distinct aesthetic. The obverse, derived from Philip II's laureate Zeus head, is highly stylized and abstract, featuring simplified facial elements, geometric hair. The reverse depicts a highly abstracted "Philippsreiter" (horse and rider), often reduced to essential forms, transforming the classical image into a uniquely Celtic expression.

Technical/Grading: Struck in silver, this coin weighs 11.79 grams and measures 22 millimeters, adhering closely to the Attic tetradrachm standard, indicating substantial silver. High-points include the central features of the stylized head and the horse's torso or rider's body. Technically, Celtic issues often exhibit off-center strikes, irregular flan shapes, and variable strike strength, with details often weaker at edges. Flan quality is generally good, but strike and die wear variations are common.

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