Catalogue
| Émetteur | Characene, Kingdom of |
|---|---|
| Année | 68 BC - 48 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Valeur | Tetradrachm (4) |
| Devise | Drachm |
| Composition | Silver |
| Poids | 13.68 g |
| Diamètre | 29 mm |
| Épaisseur | |
| Forme | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | |
| Graveur(s) | |
| En circulation jusqu’à | |
| Référence(s) | BMC Greek#1 |
| Description de l’avers | Head of Tiraios II right, diademed, bearded, hair in curls; dotted border. |
|---|---|
| Écriture de l’avers | |
| Légende de l’avers | |
| Description du revers | Herakles seated left on anvil-shaped seat, nude, holding with right hand a club set on his right knee flanked vertically by lettering, a monogram before his head, date in exergue. |
| Écriture du revers | Greek |
| Légende du revers |
ΒΑΣΙΛΣΩΣ ΤΙΡΑΙΟΥ ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ ΙΕΥΕΡΓΕΤΗΣ ΛΞΣ (Translation: King Tiraios, saviour and benefactor) |
| Tranche | |
| Atelier | |
| Tirage |
ND (-68) - ΔΜΣ - ND (-53) - ΘΝΣ - ND (-48) - ΔΞΣ - |
| ID Numisquare | 3014183760 |
| Informations supplémentaires |
Historical Context: This silver tetradrachm was issued by Tiraios II, ruler of the Kingdom of Characene (68-48 BC), a vital Hellenistic state at the Persian Gulf's head. His reign saw Characene navigate shifting regional power between declining Seleucid and rising Parthian influence. Issuing substantial silver coinage like this tetradrachm asserted sovereignty and economic independence, crucial for a kingdom thriving on extensive maritime trade routes connecting Mesopotamia with India.
Artistry: While engravers are anonymous, the coin's artistry blends Hellenistic tradition with local interpretation. The obverse features a finely rendered, diademed bust of Tiraios II, typically facing right, conveying royal authority. The reverse commonly depicts Herakles seated left on a rock, holding his club, often with an eagle – a motif echoing earlier Seleucid prototypes but recontextualized. Greek legends identify the ruler, underscoring cultural ties.
Technical/Grading: Struck on a broad 29mm flan of 13.68 grams of silver, this tetradrachm adheres to the Attic weight standard. Key high-points for wear on the obverse include the diadem, hair, and facial features. On the reverse, Herakles' head, musculature, and club are critical. Characene issues vary in strike; while some show sharp detail and excellent centering, others may present minor die shifts, peripheral weakness, or die wear. The substantial weight and diameter indicate a significant currency piece.