Roma Numismatics Ltd
E-Sale 38 29 Jul 2017
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Cilicia, Tarsos AR Stater. 420 BC. Lion attacking bull; everything within dotted border / Crowned Persian king standing right, holding spear and wearing quiver containing bow on his back; grain ear before. Casabonne Group B, Type1; SNG BN -; SNG Levante -; SNG Ashmolean 1826 = Kelenderis p. 9, 4a. 10.47g, 20mm, 4h.
Good Very Fine. Beautiful light golden tone. Among the best preserved specimens of this early and very rare issue. Only 3 examples recorded on CoinArchives.
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 grain 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 the 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.
Good Very Fine. Beautiful light golden tone. Among the best preserved specimens of this early and very rare issue. Only 3 examples recorded on CoinArchives.
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 grain 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 the 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.