Tetrobol - Third Macedonian War issue 175 BC - 170 BC
| Silver | 2.75 g | 15.0 mm |
| Issuer | Kingdom of Macedonia |
|---|---|
| King | Perseus (179 BC - 168 BC) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 175 BC - 170 BC |
| Value | Tetrobol (⅔) |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 2.75 g |
| Diameter | 15.0 mm |
| Thickness | 2.6 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#238010 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 95% |
Reverse
Blossoming Rose with budded tendril, Z O either side of stem.
Script: Greek
Lettering: ΕΡΜΙΑΣ
Translation: Ermias [Name of Magistrate]
Comment
Price, Larissa p. 241.
This type is apparently one of a number of issues struck for Perseus during the Third Macedonian War as payment for mercenaries who required Rhodian coinage. Price has suggested that the Zo... which replaces the Rhodian ethnic on this issue may be the patronymic of the named issuer, Hermias, and indeed we know of a Hermias son of Zoilos at exactly this period, a man who came from Oropos and was Hieromnemon at Delphi in 178 BC. Zoilos himself may also be the same man whose name appears below the portrait of Perseus on his early tetradrachms, and whose monogram continues to appear on Perseus' coinage for much of the period of the full weight issues.
Interesting fact
The Tetrobol was the first coin to feature the image of a king, specifically King Perseus of Macedon, who ruled during the Third Macedonian War. This was a significant departure from previous coins, which typically featured gods or goddesses. The inclusion of a king's image signaled a shift in power and influence, as the king was seen as a divine ruler appointed by the gods. This change in coinage design was a reflection of the growing political and military power of the Macedonian kingdom during this time period.
