Tetradrachm - Trajan

Đơn vị phát hành Antioch on the Orontes
Năm 109-110
Loại Standard circulation coin
Mệnh giá Tetradrachm (4)
Tiền tệ Drachm
Chất liệu Silver
Trọng lượng 11.7 g
Đường kính 24 mm
Độ dày 3 mm
Hình dạng Round (irregular)
Kỹ thuật Hammered
Hướng Variable alignment ↺
Nghệ nhân khắc
Lưu hành đến
Tài liệu tham khảo RPC Online III#3535, Prieur#1503, McAlee#438
Mô tả mặt trước Laureate head of Trajan facing right.
Chữ viết mặt trước Greek
Chữ khắc mặt trước ΑΥΤΟΚΡ ΚΑΙϹ ΝΕΡ ΤΡΑΙΑΝΟϹ ϹΕΒ ΓΕΡΜ ΔΑΚ
(Translation: Emperor Caesar Nerva Traianus Augustus Germanicus.)
Mô tả mặt sau Eagle standing on club, facing, wings spread, head left (no wreath) ; palm in right field.
Chữ viết mặt sau Greek
Chữ khắc mặt sau ΔΗΜΑΡΧ ΕΞ ΙΔ ΥΠΑΤ Ε
(Translation: Tribunicia Potestate XIV Consul V.)
Cạnh
Xưởng đúc
Số lượng đúc ND (109-110) - -
ID Numisquare 6989498270
Thông tin bổ sung

Historical Context: This Tetradrachm, struck in Antioch on the Orontes (109-110 CE), places it within Emperor Trajan's prosperous reign (98-117 CE). As Roman Syria's capital and a vital eastern hub, Antioch's mint produced coinage for regional commerce and military needs. The continued issuance of silver tetradrachms highlights the enduring importance of local denominations in the eastern provinces, facilitating trade and maintaining economic stability during Rome's zenith, preceding Trajan's major Parthian campaigns.

Artistry: The obverse features a robust, laureate, and draped bust of Trajan, consistent with official Roman imperial portraiture, emphasizing his authority. While engravers are anonymous, the Antiochian mint blended Hellenistic traditions with Roman iconography. The reverse typically depicts an eagle standing left on a club, often with a palm branch, a long-standing symbol of Antioch associated with Zeus. The 'SC' (Senatus Consulto) denotes senatorial authorization, common on provincial issues.

Technical/Grading: Weighing 11.7 grams and measuring 24 millimeters, this tetradrachm conforms to standard specifications. For grading, key high-points on the obverse include Trajan's laureate wreath, hair, and drapery folds. On the reverse, critical areas are the eagle's breast, head, and wing feathers. A well-struck example exhibits sharp details in these areas, indicating strong die pressure and good flan preparation, though some centering variability is typical of provincial issues.

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