Tetradrachm of Macedonia: King Perseus, Eagle in Wreath

Artist Unidentified artist

CultureGreek, Macedonian

Date178 - 174 BCE

Mediumsilver

Dimensions1 1/4 in., 0.00243 lb. (3.2 cm, 0.0011 kg)

Classificationscoins & medals

Credit LineThe William A. Whitaker Foundation Art Fund

Object number70.18.1

DescriptionObverse:
Head of Perseus to right, with a diadem, short, curly hair, a moustache, and a short beard. The ends of the diadem float to left and to right over the neck. Energy is suggested by the prominent forehead, intense gaze, and parted lips; the pointed nose is long, the mouth small. A small Adam’s apple and muscles are rendered on the neck.

Reverse:
Eagle, wings open, to right. The eagle stands on a thunderbolt, shown as three lines of dots. An inscription crosses his body: “ΒΑΣΙ / ΛΕΩΣ ; ΠΕΡ / ΣΕΩΣ” (of King Perseus). Above the eagle’s head is an Ι with small circle above it; to right of the eagle “ΜΙ” between the eagle’s legs a “Φ.” Encircling the inscription is a wreath of oak leaves above a plow. The edges of some leaves are cut off at the edge of the coin.

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