Lot 4775

Description

Cilicia, Satrap of Cilicia, Datames, (378-362 B.C.), silver stater, (10.10 grams), Tarsus mint, issued 369/8-361/0 B.C., obv. Baal of Tarsus seated to right with head facing, holding eagle-tipped sceptre over right shoulder and ear of corn and bunch of grapes in left hand, thymiaterion in background, "Baal tarz" in Aramaic behind, crenellated wall around as border, rev. the sky-god Ana pointing towards Datames (named "Tdnnm" in Aramaic), thymiaterion between them, all within shrine, (S.5646, ANS MN 31, 1986 Moysey, p.53 type 5, SNG Cop.300, SNG France 294). Bright, off-centred on obverse, otherwise nearly extremely fine and rare.

On this interesting coin the God Baal is seated on a throne. The reverse shows a scene that involves the satrap himself in a shrine, indicated by a wall and the presence of an incense burner. The sky-god Ana points towards the satrap who raises his hand against his forehead as a sign of submission, a gesture found on many Eastern monuments.