Æ Tetradrachm - Attambelos IV
| Bronze | 15.47 g | - |
| Issuer | Kingdom of Characene (Mesopotamia) |
|---|---|
| King | Attambelos IV (54-64) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 60-62 |
| Value | Tetradrachm (4) |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 15.47 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#288129 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 94% |
Reverse
Heracles seated left, holding club grounded with left hand; monogram (Dobbins #8) above right extended arm, below arm a letter (Dobbins #3); date in exergue.
Comment
Coins are listed in the BMC Greek under Attambelos III; however, later finds attributed them to Attambelos IV.Varieties of obverse countermark and obverse/reverse monograms are known and were listed by Dobbins.
2 reverse varieties are known:
- variety 1: club held upright in right hand
- variety 2: club held downwards in left hand (current page variety)
Despite knowing the date should appear in exergue, most of the coins have the date off flan or illegible. However, the combinations of variety, monograms and letters can help refine the dating thanks to Dobbins study and classification.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features a unique blend of Greek and Persian influences in its design. The coin's obverse side features a portrait of King Attambelos IV, while the reverse side depicts a mythological scene with a Greek goddess and a Persian king. This fusion of cultural elements reflects the multicultural nature of the Kingdom of Characene, which was located in the region of Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) and was a melting pot of Greek, Persian, and indigenous cultures.
