© Gnaneswar
© Gnaneswar
Æ Tetradrachm - Attambelos IV
| Bronze | 14.39 g | 20.8 mm |
| Issuer | Kingdom of Characene (Mesopotamia) |
|---|---|
| King | Attambelos IV (54-64) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 53-64 |
| Value | Tetradrachm (4) |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 14.39 g |
| Diameter | 20.8 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#299119 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 93% |
Reverse
Herakles seated left on anvil-shaped seat, holding club with right hand; inscriptions downwards on right and left, monogram above arm of Herakles, below arm a letter; 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.
Despite knowing the date should appear in exergue, most of the coins have the date off flan or illegible.
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 Attambelos IV, the ruler of the Kingdom of Characene, wearing a beard and a royal diadem, while the reverse side depicts a mythological creature, possibly a Griffin, which is a common motif in ancient Greek art. This blending of cultural influences reflects the rich cultural heritage of the region and the exchange of ideas that occurred between different civilizations during that time period.
