Tetartemorion - temp. Artaxerxes III / Darius III

Historical Context: This Tetartemorion originates from the Satrapy of Cilicia during the late Achaemenid Persian Empire (358-330 BC), spanning the reigns of Artaxerxes III and Darius III. Cilicia, a strategically vital province, required such minute fractional coinage for its burgeoning local economies and daily transactions. This era was marked by increasing Persian weakness and internal strife, culminating in the Macedonian conquest. The coin thus serves as a tangible artifact from a turbulent, transitional period, reflecting the practical needs of a satrapy on the cusp of profound historical change.

Artistry: Given its minuscule dimensions (6mm) and billon composition, the artistry of this Tetartemorion is necessarily constrained, focusing on essential iconography. While no specific engraver is identifiable, the stylistic school aligns with provincial Achaemenid coinage, often incorporating local motifs or simplified imperial representations. The design, typically a highly stylized head (perhaps a satrap or local deity) on the obverse and a basic symbol or animal on the reverse, would have been rendered with swift, economic strokes, reflecting its utilitarian purpose rather than grand artistic ambition.

Technical/Grading: The technical qualities of this Tetartemorion are inherently challenging due to its diminutive size (0.17 gg, 6 mm) and billon fabric. High-points of the design, such as the nose or prominent features, are frequently the first areas to show wear or weakness in the strike. Flaws like off-centering, incomplete striking, and irregular flan shapes are common, often resulting from rapid production methods for such low-value fractions. The billon material itself, an alloy of silver and base metals, contributes to a less refined surface texture, impacting overall preservation and visual appeal.