Lot 3338

Description

Cilicia, Satrap of Cilicia, Mazaios, (361-334 B.C.) silver stater, (10.798 grams), Tarsus mint, obv. Baal of Tarsus enthroned to left holding corn ear with bunch of grapes and lotus-headed sceptre, behind Aramaic legend 'Baal tarz', below and left of throne other letters, dotted border, rev. lion left on the back of a bull kneeling left which it attacks with teeth and claws, above Aramaic legend 'Mazdai', letter below, all within circle of dots, (S.5650, cf.BMC 51 [p.171], cf.SNG France 333, cf.SNG Levante 104). Attractive dark patina from an old collection, worn obverse die as usual, otherwise very fine/extremely fine and rare variety.

Mazaios ruled Cilicia for 27 years, until just before the Macedonian conquest. Later, under Alexander, he became governor of Babylonia.