Silver Tetradrachm of Attalos I of Pergamon (about 2,250 years ago)
This silver tetradrachm was issued under King Attalos I of Pergamon, who ruled from 241-197 BCE. Minted in Pergamon (modern Bergama in Turkey), this large silver coin represents the economic power and cultural sophistication of the Hellenistic kingdom of Pergamon, famous for its library, Altar of Zeus, and development of parchment.
Coin Description:
Front side: The obverse likely displays the portrait of Philetairos, the founder of the Attalid dynasty, rather than Attalos I himself, following the convention of early Attalid coinage that emphasized dynastic continuity.
Back side: The reverse probably depicts Athena enthroned, a common motif on Pergamene coinage of this period.
Technical Details:
Silver composition (AR)
Tetradrachm denomination (equal to four drachms)
Weight: 17.04 grams
Size: 27mm in diameter
Die axis: 12h (when the coin is rotated along its vertical axis, the reverse is upright)
Date of minting: During the reign of Attalos I (241-197 BCE)
Historical Significance: This tetradrachm circulated during the reign of Attalos I, who expanded Pergamon's territory and influence following his victories over the Galatians (Celtic settlers in central Anatolia). Under Attalid rule, Pergamon developed into a major Hellenistic power and cultural center that rivaled Alexandria, with a library containing thousands of scrolls. Attalos I established important alliances with Rome that would shape Mediterranean politics for decades to come.
This silver tetradrachm was issued under King Attalos I of Pergamon, who ruled from 241-197 BCE. Minted in Pergamon (modern Bergama in Turkey), this large silver coin represents the economic power and cultural sophistication of the Hellenistic kingdom of Pergamon, famous for its library, Altar of Zeus, and development of parchment.
Coin Description:
Front side: The obverse likely displays the portrait of Philetairos, the founder of the Attalid dynasty, rather than Attalos I himself, following the convention of early Attalid coinage that emphasized dynastic continuity.
Back side: The reverse probably depicts Athena enthroned, a common motif on Pergamene coinage of this period.
Technical Details:
Silver composition (AR)
Tetradrachm denomination (equal to four drachms)
Weight: 17.04 grams
Size: 27mm in diameter
Die axis: 12h (when the coin is rotated along its vertical axis, the reverse is upright)
Date of minting: During the reign of Attalos I (241-197 BCE)
Historical Significance: This tetradrachm circulated during the reign of Attalos I, who expanded Pergamon's territory and influence following his victories over the Galatians (Celtic settlers in central Anatolia). Under Attalid rule, Pergamon developed into a major Hellenistic power and cultural center that rivaled Alexandria, with a library containing thousands of scrolls. Attalos I established important alliances with Rome that would shape Mediterranean politics for decades to come.
This silver tetradrachm was issued under King Attalos I of Pergamon, who ruled from 241-197 BCE. Minted in Pergamon (modern Bergama in Turkey), this large silver coin represents the economic power and cultural sophistication of the Hellenistic kingdom of Pergamon, famous for its library, Altar of Zeus, and development of parchment.
Coin Description:
Front side: The obverse likely displays the portrait of Philetairos, the founder of the Attalid dynasty, rather than Attalos I himself, following the convention of early Attalid coinage that emphasized dynastic continuity.
Back side: The reverse probably depicts Athena enthroned, a common motif on Pergamene coinage of this period.
Technical Details:
Silver composition (AR)
Tetradrachm denomination (equal to four drachms)
Weight: 17.04 grams
Size: 27mm in diameter
Die axis: 12h (when the coin is rotated along its vertical axis, the reverse is upright)
Date of minting: During the reign of Attalos I (241-197 BCE)
Historical Significance: This tetradrachm circulated during the reign of Attalos I, who expanded Pergamon's territory and influence following his victories over the Galatians (Celtic settlers in central Anatolia). Under Attalid rule, Pergamon developed into a major Hellenistic power and cultural center that rivaled Alexandria, with a library containing thousands of scrolls. Attalos I established important alliances with Rome that would shape Mediterranean politics for decades to come.
