Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction XIII 23 March 2017
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Cilicia, Tarsos AR Stater. Mazaios, Satrap of Cilicia and Cappadocia, circa 361-334 BC. Crowned figure of Artaxerxes III, Great King of Persia, in the guise of Baaltars seated right on throne with back terminating in swan's head, holding lotus flower in right hand, lotus-tipped sceptre in left; B'LTRZ (in Aramaic) to left, M (in Aramaic) to lower right / Lion recumbent left; bow above. Casabonne Series 6; Newell, Myriandros 1; SNG France 422 var. (legend retrograde; Myriandros); SNG Levante Supp. 26 (same dies); Jameson 1621 var. (legend retrograde). 10.65g, 27mm, 5h.
Good Extremely Fine; test cut. Extremely Rare; one of only three examples to be offered at auction since 1990.
This intriguing issue has been conclusively shown to depict a synthesis of the god Baaltars and the Persian Great King Artaxerxes III. The appearance of Baaltars on this type differs significantly from the otherwise standard image of the god, which portrays him in a form akin to the Greek ideal of Zeus - nude to his waist, and wearing a laurel wreath - certainly not an elaborate headdress as is found here. Moreover, the figure is clothed with attire that closely resembles that of the royal Persian coinage struck at Sardes.
Good Extremely Fine; test cut. Extremely Rare; one of only three examples to be offered at auction since 1990.
This intriguing issue has been conclusively shown to depict a synthesis of the god Baaltars and the Persian Great King Artaxerxes III. The appearance of Baaltars on this type differs significantly from the otherwise standard image of the god, which portrays him in a form akin to the Greek ideal of Zeus - nude to his waist, and wearing a laurel wreath - certainly not an elaborate headdress as is found here. Moreover, the figure is clothed with attire that closely resembles that of the royal Persian coinage struck at Sardes.