© Nomos AG
© Nomos AG
Tetradrachm - Patraos 335 BC - 315 BC
| Silver | 12.69 g | 27.0 mm |
| Issuer | Kings of Paeonia |
|---|---|
| King | Patraos (335 BC - 315 BC) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 335 BC - 315 BC |
| Value | Tetradrachm (4) |
| Currency | Drachm (480-286BC) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 12.69 g |
| Diameter | 27.0 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#186229 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Paeonian horseman, wearing crested helmet and full armor, galloping right and spearing fallen Persian cavalryman wearing kybasia and robeslat kausia, and holding a round shield. Below horse’s tail, thunderbolt and to right, bunch of grapes
Script: Greek
Lettering: ΠΑ ΤΡΑΟΥ
Comment
Note by Nomos AG:All the coins of this general series show a cavalryman riding down an enemy, but the enemy is not always the same: in some cases he wears Greek armor and a helmet, and in others a flat cap. It has often been assumed that this fallen enemy is Macedonian and, thus, is a reflection of the long struggles that took place between Paeonia and Macedonia. However, at the time this coin was struck Paeonia was allied and subject to Alexander - Patraos’ brother Ariston (father of the later king Audoleon) even commanded a troop of Paeonian cavalry in Alexander’s army. In fact, this coin is believed by many to show the moment when Ariston speared the Persian commander Satropates through the throat in a skirmish prior to the battle of Gaugamela in 331 BC (apparently modern day Tel Gomel near Mosul): the fallen warrior’s costume is definitely Persian.
Interesting fact
The Tetradrachm - Patraos coin was used as a form of currency in the ancient kingdom of Paeonia, which was located in the region of Macedonia. The coin features an image of King Patraos on one side and a depiction of Zeus on the other. The coin was made of silver and weighed 12.69 grams, making it a significant piece of currency at the time. It's interesting to note that the Tetradrachm - Patraos coin was used during a time of great cultural and economic change in the region. The kingdom of Paeonia was known for its rich agricultural land and its strategic location along trade routes, which made it an important center of commerce. The use of this coin as a form of currency reflects the growing economic sophistication of the region during this time period.
