CILICIA, Tarsos. Balakros. Satrap of Cilicia, 333-323 BC. AR Stater (22.5mm, 10.83 g, 12h).

CILICIA, Tarsos. Balakros. Satrap of Cilicia, 333-323 BC. AR Stater (22.5mm, 10.83 g, 12h)

Detailed Information:

Obverse:

• Design: Baal of Tarsos seated left, his torso facing forward. He is depicted holding a lotus-tipped scepter in his extended right hand, and his left hand holds a chlamys (cloak) at his waist. To the left, there is an ear of grain, and to the right, the inscription [B’LTRZ (in Aramaic)] identifies the city of Tarsos.
• Iconography: Baal of Tarsos is a local deity representing the city’s divine protection and authority. The lotus-tipped scepter and chlamys indicate his status and power.

Reverse:

• Design: A lion attacking a bull, depicted moving left above crenellated walls. The design includes a club and the letter “B” above.
• Iconography: The lion and bull motif symbolizes strength and conflict. The crenellated walls represent fortifications or the city’s defenses. This imagery is characteristic of the satrap’s power and the city’s resilience.

Historical Context:

• Time Period: 333-323 BC
• Origin: Tarsos, an important city in Cilicia during the Achaemenid period.
• Significance: Balakros was a satrap under Alexander the Great. The coinage reflects both local and satrapal iconography, emphasizing Tarsos’s heritage and the satrap’s role in maintaining the city’s defenses and religious traditions.

Specifications:

• Diameter: 22.5mm
• Weight: 10.83 grams
• References: Casabonne Series 1; SNG BN 365
• Condition: Lightly toned, graded Choice Extremely Fine (Choice XF) by NGC, indicating excellent preservation with detailed imagery.

Provenance:

• From: The Roy Iwata Collection
• Purchased: From Apollo Numismatics, July 2017

Additional Information:

• Authenticity: This coin is guaranteed authentic.
• Customer Support: For further information or inquiries, please contact us at 212-319-1077.

This AR Stater from Tarsos, struck during Balakros’s satrapal rule, offers a glimpse into the rich iconography and political context of Cilicia in the early 4th century BC. The coin’s detailed depiction of Baal of Tarsos and the lion-bull motif reflects the cultural and military significance of the region, making it a valuable addition to any collection of ancient coins