Catalogue
| Émetteur | Ilion (Troad) |
|---|---|
| Année | 188 BC - 133 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Valeur | Tetradrachm (4) |
| Devise | Drachm |
| Composition | Silver |
| Poids | 16.34 g |
| Diamètre | 35 mm |
| Épaisseur | |
| Forme | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Graveur(s) | |
| En circulation jusqu’à | |
| Référence(s) | Bellinger Troy#– , Zhuyuetang#42 |
| Description de l’avers | Head of Athena right, wearing laureate and triple-crested Attic helmet. |
|---|---|
| Écriture de l’avers | |
| Légende de l’avers | |
| Description du revers | Athena Ilias standing right, holding a filleted spear across her shoulder and a distaff; at her feet, facing owl. In inner left field, monogram above star and in exergue, magistrate`s name. |
| Écriture du revers | Greek |
| Légende du revers | AΘHNAΣ IΛIAΔOΣ ΠPΩTOKΛEIΔOY |
| Tranche | |
| Atelier | |
| Tirage |
ND (188 BC - 133 BC) - - |
| ID Numisquare | 2275730510 |
| Informations supplémentaires |
Historical Context:This silver tetradrachm from Ilion, issued between 188 BC and 133 BC, signifies a period of renewed prosperity for the city following the Peace of Apamea. As the legendary Troy, Ilion enjoyed a privileged status under Roman patronage, which fostered significant civic autonomy and economic stability. The magistrate Protokleides, whose name appears on this coinage, was a prominent figure overseeing its issuance, reflecting Ilion's right to strike substantial silver currency during the twilight of the Hellenistic era.
Artistry:The obverse of this tetradrachm typically features a finely rendered head of Athena Ilias, patron goddess of Troy, often wearing a crested Attic helmet. This design adheres to the broader Hellenistic stylistic school, characterized by its naturalism and idealized yet expressive portrayal of deities. The reverse usually presents an owl, a symbol closely associated with Athena, or a standing figure of the goddess, accompanied by the city's ethnic and the name of the issuing magistrate, Protokleides, showcasing local civic pride.
Technical/Grading:Struck on a substantial 16.34 gram flan, 35 millimeters in diameter, this coin maintains the Attic weight standard. Key high-points for wear and strike quality on the obverse include the helmet crest, cheek, and Athena's hair details. On the reverse, the owl's breast and head, or the drapery folds of a standing Athena, are crucial indicators. A well-preserved example exhibits a strong, centered strike, full detail on both sides, and minimal die wear, ensuring legibility of the magistrate's name and design integrity.