Stater

Historical Context: This silver stater was issued by Mallos, an important coastal city in ancient Cilicia, between 440 BC and 390 BC. This period falls within the Late Classical era, a time of significant political and economic interaction between the Greek world and the Achaemenid Persian Empire. Mallos, strategically located near the Pyramus River, functioned as a semi-autonomous city-state, often under Persian suzerainty but retaining the right to mint its own coinage, underscoring its regional economic influence and participation in Mediterranean trade.

Artistry: While specific engravers for Mallos coinage of this period remain anonymous, the artistry reflects the prevailing Late Classical Greek stylistic school, often incorporating local Cilician or Persian iconographic elements. Typical designs for Mallos staters feature a prominent deity or mythological hero on the obverse, such as Herakles, rendered with increasing naturalism. The reverse commonly depicts a significant local symbol, frequently a swan, or another animal, executed with a balance of detail and symbolic power, characteristic of regional mints.

Technical/Grading: This silver stater weighs 10.56 grams and measures 21.5 millimeters, consistent with the standard for Cilician staters of the period, likely reflecting a local or Persian weight standard. For optimal grading, high-points such as the facial features of the deity, the musculature of Herakles, or the intricate feathering of a swan on the reverse, should exhibit minimal wear. Technical strike quality is crucial; a well-centered strike, full details from fresh dies, and a well-prepared flan are indicators of a superior example.