Lot 1826

Description

Cilicia, Satrap of Cilicia, Mazaios, (361-334 B.C.) silver stater, (10.82 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', all within circle of dots, (S.5650, cf.BMC 51 [p.171], SNG Levante 103). Attractive dark patina from an old collection, good very fine and rare variety.

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