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Obol - Hecatomnus Caria satrapy - 'Ἑκατόμνος'
| Issuer | Caria, Achaemenid Satrapy of |
|---|---|
| Year | 395 BC - 377 BC |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Diameter | 9 mm |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
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| Obverse lettering | E[KA] |
| Reverse description | A stellate or star-like geometric pattern composed of radiating curved and straight lines emanating from a central pellet, all contained within a shallow incuse square. The design is boldly struck in high relief against the incuse background, a hallmark of Carian satrapal coinage of the early fourth century BC. The pattern fills the incuse square completely with symmetrical, decorative rays. |
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| Additional information |
Hecatomnus was the first of the Hekatomnid dynasty — appointed satrap of Caria by the Achaemenid court around 395 BC, yet almost immediately behaving as an autonomous ruler. His decision to strike coins in his own name, rather than in the name of the Persian king, was a quiet but pointed assertion of local authority that his successors, including Mausolus, would push considerably further. The Greek inscription on these pieces is itself a political signal: a Persian-appointed governor advertising himself to a Greek-speaking population.