Catalog
| Issuer | Salamis of Cyprus |
|---|---|
| Year | 331 BC - 310 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | Gold Stater (20) |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 8.28 g |
| Diameter | 18.5 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | Tziambazis#137, BMC Greek#cxiii |
| Obverse description | Draped bust of Aphrodite left, hair rolled above forehead and falling in long wavy strands to front and back of shoulder, wearing turreted crown, triple-pendant earring, and beaded necklace. Greek inscription on the right field. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Greek |
| Obverse lettering |
NI (Translation: Nikokreon) |
| Reverse description | Draped bust of male left, with long sideburn and hair in tight ringlets falling down back of neck, wearing crown decorated with semicircular plates, and torque. Greek inscription on the right field. |
| Reverse script | Greek |
| Reverse lettering |
BA (Translation: Basileus (King)) |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (331 BC - 310 BC) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 1385470450 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This gold stater was issued by Nikokreon, the last king of Salamis, Cyprus, during the tumultuous post-Alexander era (331-310 BC). Nikokreon skillfully navigated the Diadochi power struggles, aligning with Alexander and later Ptolemy I Soter. This coinage reflects Salamis's strategic importance and economic prosperity, underscoring Nikokreon's sovereignty and the island's wealth within the Hellenistic world until his demise around 310 BC.
Artistry: While the engraver remains anonymous, typical for the era, this stater's artistry reflects the sophisticated early Hellenistic style prevalent in the Eastern Mediterranean. Cypriot mints often drew inspiration from Attic traditions, emphasizing high relief and meticulous detail. Dies were expertly cut, aiming to convey divine majesty or royal authority, showcasing mint workers' skill and the issuer's cultural aspirations.
Technical/Grading: Struck on a substantial gold flan (8.28 grams, 18.5 millimeters), this stater exhibits robust fabric characteristic of Hellenistic gold coinage. Key high-points for grading include intricate details of any head or figure (e.g., hair, facial features, drapery) and fine lines of any reverse motif. Strike quality, often full and sharp on gold due to its malleability, is paramount. Minor planchet flaws or slight off-centering are not uncommon for hand-struck issues; original luster preservation is also significant.