Please help identifying Greek tetradrachm

Emil W

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I've collected ancient Roman and medieval coins for decades and have a few random Greek coins but have almost no knowledge about Greek coins. I've attempted to identify this tetradrachm but haven't come up with anything.

It has a nice patina, slightly golden in some areas, so it's a nice, attractive coin, but I want to identify it before framing it to hang with some of my other ancients (I display most of my coins, as you can see, in small frames. I don't like them hidden away where I can't readily enjoy them--I don't believe collections should be hidden).
 

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traveller777

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I believe that is Phillip V. "the darling of hellas." wearing the royal diadem.

At least that is what coinoscope app tells me. You might want to download that app.
 

Red-Coat

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Nice coin.

No, it’s not Philip.

The legend reads BAΣIΛEΩΣ ΠΡΟΥΣΙΟΥ with the first word being a claim for kingship and the second word transliterating as “PROUSIOU”. It’s from the Greek Kingdom of Bithynia (now located in modern Turkey) and either King Prusias I, or his son King Prusias II.

Prusias I reigned from c.228-182 BC and was succeeded by his son as Prusias II from c.182 BC – 149 BC. It’s really difficult to tell them apart from the portraits alone, and they used the same titles, but I’m pretty sure this is Prusias I and from the latter part of his reign. Early portraits have him clean-shaven.

It’s stylistically similar to this one, with a “Zeus, standing” reverse design:

Prusias I.jpg
 

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Emil W

Emil W

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Thanks to both of you!

I'll definitely download the app.

I hadn't checked Kingdom of Bithynia, mainly because I didn't know what kingdoms were in modern Turkey and maybe I missed Prusias when I simply searched Turkey.

Being able to read Greek would obviously help.
 

traveller777

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Thanks to both of you!

I'll definitely download the app.

I hadn't checked Kingdom of Bithynia, mainly because I didn't know what kingdoms were in modern Turkey and maybe I missed Prusias when I simply searched Turkey.

Being able to read Greek would obviously help.
Google translate
 

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Emil W

Emil W

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Thanks, I just googled how to type Greek letters so I can use translate. I should have thought of that but obviously I didn't. LOL
 

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Emil W

Emil W

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Nov 4, 2021
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Thanks to your identification I was able to find one with the same portrait, although a different die. Your assumption was correct, Prusias I.
 

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