Roma Numismatics Ltd
E-Sale 32 7 January 2017
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Cilicia, Tarsos AR Stater. Circa 425-400 BC. Melkart riding hippocamp right; waves below / Marine deity standing left, holding trident and grain ear. SNG Levante 56 = SNG von Aulock 5908; SNG France 199. 10.84g, 16mm, 2h.
Near Very Fine.
This coin belongs to one of the earliest issues of Tarsos under Persian influence. Its military design suggests that it was intended to pay Persian troops, perhaps those of the Phoenician fleet mobilized by Tissaphernes in 411-410 BC. The corn ear, very prominent on this type as well as contemporary issues (and later satrapal issues showing a Greek hoplite), may represent the military payroll in form of food-rations. Kraay referred to the 'man' as a Persian soldier but in SNG France it is suggested that the man is most likely the Persian King, even though his crown is not visible on any known examples. That the Persian king is depicted armed, instead of one of his soldiers, would not change Kraay's interpretation of this very rare issue.
Near Very Fine.
This coin belongs to one of the earliest issues of Tarsos under Persian influence. Its military design suggests that it was intended to pay Persian troops, perhaps those of the Phoenician fleet mobilized by Tissaphernes in 411-410 BC. The corn ear, very prominent on this type as well as contemporary issues (and later satrapal issues showing a Greek hoplite), may represent the military payroll in form of food-rations. Kraay referred to the 'man' as a Persian soldier but in SNG France it is suggested that the man is most likely the Persian King, even though his crown is not visible on any known examples. That the Persian king is depicted armed, instead of one of his soldiers, would not change Kraay's interpretation of this very rare issue.