| Emisor | Antioch on the Orontes |
|---|---|
| Año | 98-99 |
| Tipo | Standard circulation coin |
| Valor | Tetradrachm (4) |
| Moneda | Drachm |
| Composición | Silver |
| Peso | 14.5 g |
| Diámetro | 26 mm |
| Grosor | |
| Forma | Round (irregular) |
| Técnica | Hammered |
| Orientación | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Grabador(es) | |
| En circulación hasta | |
| Referencia(s) | Prieur#1489A (Tyre), RPC Online III#3515, McAlee#429, Wruck#140 |
| Descripción del anverso | Laureate head of Emperor Trajan facing right, with small aegis. |
|---|---|
| Escritura del anverso | Greek |
| Leyenda del anverso |
ΑΥΤΟΚΡ ΚΑΙϹ ΝΕΡ ΤΡΑΙΑΝΟϹ ϹΕΒ ΓΕΡΜ (Translation: Imperator (Autocrator) Caesar Nerva Trajan Augustus (Sebastos) Germanicus.) |
| Descripción del reverso | Eagle standing right on thunderbolt, head turned left, holding wreath in beak, spreading wings. |
| Escritura del reverso | Greek |
| Leyenda del reverso |
ΔΗΜΑΡϹ ΕΞ ΥΠΑΤ Β (Translation: Tribunicia power, consul for the second time.) |
| Canto | Plain |
| Casa de moneda | |
| Tirada |
ND (98-99) - - |
| ID de Numisquare | 1020395990 |
| Información adicional |
Historical Context: This Tetradrachm, struck at Antioch on the Orontes during 98-99 AD, dates to Trajan's nascent principate. Following Nerva's death, Trajan focused on consolidating imperial authority and securing frontiers. Antioch, preeminent city of Roman Syria, served as a crucial administrative, military, and economic hub. Its prolific mint produced coinage vital for regional commerce, military pay, and projecting Roman power in the East, preceding his ambitious Dacian and Parthian campaigns.
Artistry: The Antiochene mint of this era, though under Roman administration, developed a distinct stylistic character. Engravers, typically anonymous, rendered Trajan's portrait in a classicizing Roman imperial style, emphasizing idealized features and martial bearing. Reverse types, often featuring an eagle, exhibit competent, if sometimes conventional, execution. Dies blend official Roman iconography with local Syrian numismatic traditions, maintaining high craftsmanship for provincial issues without specific engraver attribution.
Technical/Grading: For this type, critical grading points include the obverse portrait's high-relief areas: Trajan's hair, brow, nose, and ear. Full, sharp detail in the laurel wreath is highly desirable. On the reverse (assuming a common eagle type), attention should be paid to the eagle's head, breast feathers, and wing tips. Clarity of any club or legends is paramount. A well-centered strike, full flan (26mm), and consistent weight (14.5g) are crucial quality indicators, alongside silver surface preservation.