Catalog
| Issuer | Tarsos |
|---|---|
| Year | 455 BC - 400 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | Silver Stater (3) |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 10.70 g |
| Diameter | 20 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered, Incuse |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) |
| Obverse description | Horseman (Syennesis?) riding to left, holding lotus flower in right hand and reins in left, bow in bowcase on saddle; Key symbol below horse. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | |
| Obverse lettering | |
| Reverse description | Persian soldier advancing to right, bow and quiver over shoulder, extending both hands with uncertain object in right, towards Greek soldier seated to left on quiver, wearing crested Attic helmet, supporting himself with his left hand, bow on the ground at his side; all within incuse square. |
| Reverse script | |
| Reverse lettering | |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (455 BC - 400 BC) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 1388837360 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This silver stater from Tarsos, struck 455-400 BC, originates from Cilicia, a vital satrapy within the Achaemenid Empire. Tarsos, a wealthy trading city, enjoyed significant semi-autonomy, often under local dynasts or satraps. Its coinage reflects both Persian suzerainty and burgeoning Greek artistic influence, underscoring Tarsos’s strategic importance and economic prosperity during a period of complex East-West political interplay. The 10.70 gram weight aligns with the prevalent Persic standard.
Artistry: While the engraver remains anonymous, this stater exemplifies the stylistic synthesis characteristic of Cilician coinage from the Early to High Classical periods. Designs typically featured a seated figure, often interpreted as the Persian Great King or a local satrap, on the obverse, rendered with dignified detail. The reverse frequently depicted a powerful animal, such as a lion attacking a bull, or a warrior. This blend demonstrates a sophisticated artistic school, likely influenced by Greek masters working in the region.
Technical/Grading: The coin’s specifications, 10.70 grams and 20 millimeters, indicate a substantial silver issue. High-points for this type of design, such as the face and knee of a seated figure or the heads and prominent musculature of combatant animals, are critical for assessing strike quality and wear. A well-struck example would exhibit full detail on these areas. Minor flan irregularities or slight off-centering are common for hand-struck coins of this era, but a strong, even strike across the flan is desirable.