Stater - Balakros

Historical Context: This silver stater was issued by Balakros, a prominent general of Alexander the Great, appointed satrap of Cilicia following the decisive Battle of Issus in 333 BC. His tenure, ending with his death around 323 BC, saw Cilicia transition from Achaemenid control to a key strategic region within Alexander's burgeoning empire. Balakros’s coinage, struck in his own name, exemplifies the administrative and economic restructuring under Macedonian suzerainty, reflecting both local autonomy and imperial authority during the nascent Hellenistic era.

Artistry: While the specific engraver remains anonymous, the artistry of this stater is firmly rooted in the classical Greek tradition, characteristic of early Hellenistic numismatics. The obverse typically features a finely rendered head of Athena, wearing a Corinthian helmet, showcasing a clear influence from Attic sculptural styles. The reverse often depicts Nike, the goddess of victory, holding a wreath and stylis, her drapery dynamically rendered, indicative of the skilled Greek artisans employed in the Cilician mints.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a substantial silver flan weighing 10.86 grams and measuring 24.0 mm, this stater adheres to the Macedonian weight standard. Key high-points for preservation assessment include the crest and details of Athena's helmet, her facial features, and the intricate folds of Nike's drapery and her delicate wings. A well-centered strike with minimal die wear and a lustrous surface indicates superior technical execution, crucial for discerning premium examples of this historically significant coinage.