CVC & Collectables presents this exceptional AR Stater from Cilicia, Tarsus, struck under the Persian satrap Mazaeus between 361 and 328 BC, and certified AU (About Uncirculated) by NGC. Mazaeus, one of the most powerful satraps under the Achaemenid Empire and later a supporter of Alexander the Great, issued this coin during his rule over Cilicia. This silver stater combines rich Persian iconography with Greek-influenced artistry — a tangible representation of East-meets-West in the late Classical world.
Coin Highlights:
- Region: Cilicia, Tarsus
- Authority: Mazaeus, Satrap of Cilicia under the Achaemenid Empire
- Date: 361–328 BC
- Mint: Tarsus
- Denomination: Stater (AR – Silver)
- Composition: Silver
- Weight: ~10.72 grams
- Diameter: ~22 mm
- Grade: NGC AU — Excellent strike with minimal wear, superb detail, and original surfaces
- Type Reference: BMC 52, SG 5650; generally includes Baal and lion motifs
Obverse:
- Design: Baal of Tarsus seated left, holding scepter and grain ear or eagle
- Symbolism: Represents fertility, stability, and divine authority — blending local and Persian religious imagery
Reverse:
- Design: Lion devouring kneeling Bull
Collectibility:
This Cilician stater of Mazaeus is a premier example of Achaemenid-era provincial coinage — struck during a time of Persian control but increasingly influenced by Hellenistic artistic trends. Mazaeus would later serve Alexander the Great after surrendering Babylon, making this coin a prelude to the coming Hellenistic world. Graded NGC AU, it is beautifully preserved and rich in historical significance, making it ideal for collectors of ancient Greek, Persian, or early Alexandrian-era coinage. Explore a captivating collection of numismatic treasures that offer glimpses into civilizations long past. Uncover the allure of ancient history through this link: Ancient Coins
