Æ Tetradrachm - Maga
| Bronze | 14.92 g | 25 mm |
| Issuer | Kingdom of Characene (Mesopotamia) |
|---|---|
| King | Maga (195-215) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 195-215 |
| Value | Tetradrachm (4) |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 14.92 g |
| Diameter | 25 mm |
| Thickness | 4.8 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#276167 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 94% |
Reverse
Male head right, with pointed beard, hair in 6 thick rolls, and long plait on top.
Comment
Letterings are in Aramaic script with sometimes a Greek monogram on obverse. Many variants are known and listed in the BMC Arabia pp 304-309.Characene having been a vassal from Parthian Kingdom, reverse portrait is sometimes presented as being of a Parthian king.
Maga's reign is poorly known but is thought to extend roughly between 195 and 215 AD.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of King Maga, who ruled the Kingdom of Characene during the 2nd century AD. The coin's design includes a crowned bust of the king, along with an inscription in Greek that reads "Maga, King of Characene." This coin is a rare example of a coin from this kingdom and period, providing valuable insight into the history and culture of the region.
