Tetradrachm ʜqρ, EΣ

Historical Context: The Tetradrachm ʜqρ, EΣ, issued by Arados in 62-61 BC, signifies the city-state's autonomy amidst increasing Roman influence in the Eastern Mediterranean. This era, post-Mithridatic Wars, saw Arados maintain its prolific silver coinage. The monograms ʜqρ and EΣ denote civic magistrates, affirming the city's self-governance and economic vitality. This issue underscores Arados's strategic importance as a Phoenician trading center and its capacity to assert local identity through currency.

Artistry: This tetradrachm embodies the late Hellenistic artistic tradition characteristic of Aradian minting. The obverse presents a laureate head of Zeus, rendered with classical idealization and Hellenistic refinement. The reverse prominently features a galley prow, a potent emblem of Arados's maritime power and Phoenician heritage, often surmounted by a small deity. This fusion of Greek mythological iconography with indigenous symbols creates a distinctive visual narrative, typical of Arados's cultural synthesis; specific engravers remain anonymous.

Technical/Grading: Struck in silver to the Attic standard (15.07 grams, 26.5 mm), this coin's high-points for grading are Zeus’s hair and laurel wreath on the obverse, and the galley prow’s intricate details and surmounting figure on the reverse. Well-struck examples display sharp definition in these areas, alongside clear Phoenician inscriptions and monograms. While generally well-centered, minor die wear or slight weakness in highest relief, especially on Zeus’s hair, are common.