Kingdom of Elymais - AR Tetradrachm of Kamnaskires V (54-32BC) - NGC Ch VF
Offered is a handsome 27mm silver Tetradrachm issued under the reign of King Kamnaskires V of Elymais (ca. 54-32BC), DCA#524. Not much is known about the Kingdom of Elymais, other than it was located on the Perisan Gulf in what is today Iran, that its people were descended from the ancient Elamites, and that its rulers were descended from the local governor installed by Alexander the Great during his campaign. The kingdom was extremely wealthy, and used a version of Aramaic as its administrative language, although its coinage bears degraded Greek inscriptions, and traces of other languages have been found in Elymais-associated sites. Elymais appears to have maintained autonomy (usually as a vassal-Kingdom) through a combination of noted archers, as well as the use of its vast treasury, before being wiped out by the Sassanians in the early 3rd century AD.
This coin comes from what is generally regarded as the artistic peak of Elymaian coinage, with readable inscriptions (BAΣIΛEΩΣ KAMNAΣKIPOY TOY EΓ BAΣIΛEΩΣ KAMNAΣKIPOY), and fine portraiture. Struck on an even flan, and retaining complete design elements, this example also benefits from good fields, and a wholesome, light patina, all of which is accounted for in the NGC ‘Choice VF’ grade designation assigned. A fascinating ancient of good size, and an exotic type.
Offered is a handsome 27mm silver Tetradrachm issued under the reign of King Kamnaskires V of Elymais (ca. 54-32BC), DCA#524. Not much is known about the Kingdom of Elymais, other than it was located on the Perisan Gulf in what is today Iran, that its people were descended from the ancient Elamites, and that its rulers were descended from the local governor installed by Alexander the Great during his campaign. The kingdom was extremely wealthy, and used a version of Aramaic as its administrative language, although its coinage bears degraded Greek inscriptions, and traces of other languages have been found in Elymais-associated sites. Elymais appears to have maintained autonomy (usually as a vassal-Kingdom) through a combination of noted archers, as well as the use of its vast treasury, before being wiped out by the Sassanians in the early 3rd century AD.
This coin comes from what is generally regarded as the artistic peak of Elymaian coinage, with readable inscriptions (BAΣIΛEΩΣ KAMNAΣKIPOY TOY EΓ BAΣIΛEΩΣ KAMNAΣKIPOY), and fine portraiture. Struck on an even flan, and retaining complete design elements, this example also benefits from good fields, and a wholesome, light patina, all of which is accounted for in the NGC ‘Choice VF’ grade designation assigned. A fascinating ancient of good size, and an exotic type.
Offered is a handsome 27mm silver Tetradrachm issued under the reign of King Kamnaskires V of Elymais (ca. 54-32BC), DCA#524. Not much is known about the Kingdom of Elymais, other than it was located on the Perisan Gulf in what is today Iran, that its people were descended from the ancient Elamites, and that its rulers were descended from the local governor installed by Alexander the Great during his campaign. The kingdom was extremely wealthy, and used a version of Aramaic as its administrative language, although its coinage bears degraded Greek inscriptions, and traces of other languages have been found in Elymais-associated sites. Elymais appears to have maintained autonomy (usually as a vassal-Kingdom) through a combination of noted archers, as well as the use of its vast treasury, before being wiped out by the Sassanians in the early 3rd century AD.
This coin comes from what is generally regarded as the artistic peak of Elymaian coinage, with readable inscriptions (BAΣIΛEΩΣ KAMNAΣKIPOY TOY EΓ BAΣIΛEΩΣ KAMNAΣKIPOY), and fine portraiture. Struck on an even flan, and retaining complete design elements, this example also benefits from good fields, and a wholesome, light patina, all of which is accounted for in the NGC ‘Choice VF’ grade designation assigned. A fascinating ancient of good size, and an exotic type.