© Leu Numismatik
© Leu Numismatik
Tetrachalkon - Tigranes IV and Erato 2 BC - 1 AD
| Bronze | 7.27 g | 22 mm |
| Issuer | Kingdom of Armenia (Greater Armenia) |
|---|---|
| King | Tigranes IV (10 BC - 2 BC) |
| Queen | Erato (10 BC–2 BC, 6–12) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 2 BC - 1 AD |
| Value | Tetrachalkon (1⁄12) |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 7.27 g |
| Diameter | 22 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#352617 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Bust of Erato facing left, draped
Lettering: ΕΡΑΤΩ ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΤΙΓΡΑΝΟΥ ΑΔΕΛΦΗ
Comment
This coin was issued during the second reign of Tigranes IV, after Artavasdes III was driven out with the help of the Parthians. Through various diplomatic maneuvering, he and his half sister, Erato, gained the favor of Augustus and was allowed by him to take the Armenian throne.The term ΜΕΓΑΣ suggests that Tigranes IV ruled over another kingdom, most likely Sophene
Prior to Kovacs's discovery of the Α (= year 1) year mark on a similar coin, Bedoukian attributed this coin to Tigranes V.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Tetrachalkon coin is that it features the first known representation of a queen on an Armenian coin, with the image of Erato on the reverse side. This highlights the significant role that women played in the political and social life of the Kingdom of Armenia during that time.
