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817
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ANCIENT GREECE - GREEK
See original version (French)
817
-
ANCIENT GREECE - GREEK
See original version (French)
Estimate €1,000
Voluntary lot
Description
ANCIENT GREECE - GREEK
Cilicia, Mazaios (361–334 BC). ND stater, Tarsus.
Obverse. Legend in Aramaic: B’LTRZ. On a throne, Baal of Tarsus seated on the left, bust facing forwards, holding a sceptre in his left hand and a vine branch and ears of corn, with an eagle, in his left hand; below, TN in Aramaic and M in Aramaic beneath the throne.
Reverse. Legend in Aramaic: MZDY (Mazday or Mazaios). A lion attacking a bull on the left; (different) below.
SNG Cop.312 v. – Casabonne Series 2, Group C – SNG Levante 106; Silver – 10.93 g – 23 mm – 6 h
NGC AU 5/5 3/5 Fine Style brushed (8769658-033).
A beautifully struck specimen, this coin is well centred and shows virtually no signs of circulation. The original lustre is only slightly tarnished. Superb in Proof condition.
Mazday or Mazaios was satrap of Babylonia under Arses and Darius III, then satrap of Cilicia from 350 BC under Artaxerxes II and Artaxerxes III. Although he was probably in contact with Alexander as early as 333, he nevertheless commanded the right wing of the Persian army against the Macedonians at the Battle of Gaugamela in 331. After Darius’s flight, he returned to Babylon, which he offered to Alexander. Alexander thanked him by appointing him satrap of Babylonia, a title he retained until his death in 328 BC.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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