Lot 3591

Description

Cilicia, Satrap of Cilicia, Mazaios, (361-334 B.C.) silver stater, (10.912 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, rev. lion left on the back of a bull kneeling left which it attacks with teeth and claws, above Aramaic legend 'Mazdai', symbol below, all within circle of dots, (S.5650, cf.BMC 52, SNG Levante 106). About as struck with golden patina, proof like field, choice good extremely fine and very rare in this condition.

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