Catalog
| Issuer | Kings of Cappadokia |
|---|---|
| Year | 333 BC - 322 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | Drachm (1) |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 5.29 g |
| Diameter | 17.5 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | Simonetta#5 , Sunrise#147 Aulock#6255 7#791 |
| Obverse description | Baal of Gaziura seated left, torso facing, holding grape bunch, grain ear, and eagle in extended right hand, lotus-tipped scepter in left; B’L GZYR (in Aramaic) to right. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Aramaic |
| Obverse lettering |
(Translation: Baal-Gazur) |
| Reverse description | Griffin left attacking stag kneeling left. |
| Reverse script | |
| Reverse lettering | |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (333 BC - 322 BC) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 3566726780 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This silver drachm, minted 333-322 BC, belongs to Ariarathes I, the first self-proclaimed king of Cappadocia. Capitalizing on the power vacuum after Alexander the Great's conquests, Ariarathes, a former Persian satrap, established an independent Hellenistic kingdom. Struck in Gaziura, this coin symbolizes the volatile transition from Persian dominance to fragmented Hellenistic successor states, a brief but crucial period before his defeat by Perdiccas.
Artistry: While no specific engraver is attributed, the coin's artistry showcases a fascinating syncretism of Achaemenid Persian and nascent Hellenistic Greek styles. The obverse typically features a finely rendered head, often Zeus or the king, executed with classical Hellenistic portraiture. The reverse frequently depicts a dynamic horseman or cult image, blending local traditions with Greek numismatic conventions. This detailed rendering reflects a sophisticated artistic approach for a newly independent kingdom.
Technical/Grading: Weighing 5.29 grams and measuring 17.5 mm, this drachm adheres to the Attic weight standard. High-points for wear include the hair and facial features on the obverse portrait, and the rider's head and horse's musculature on the reverse. Technical strike quality varies; well-centered examples with full legends and clear details are highly prized. Irregular flan shapes or minor off-centering are common, but a strong strike reveals intricate die work.