CILICIA. Tarsus (?). Ca. late 5th century BC. AR stater (21mm, 10.74 gm, 6h). NGC AU 3/5 - 5/5, die shift. Side-view of fortified city walls with three crenelated towers, soldiers (?) on patrol between towers / Forepart of bull kneeling right, ankh to lower right. BMC -. SNG France 2 -. SNG Levante -. Casabonne -. The attribution to Tarsus is based on the style and fabric of the flan, as well as the ankh symbol on the reverse. This symbol was clearly important to the people of Tarsus as the Great King is sometimes depicted carrying it upward by the shaft (cf. SNG France 2, 209); or displayed by itself as on the obol issue cf. SNG France 2, 207; or sometime as a device decorating the fields as on the previous lot in this sale. Another connecting theme is seen on satrapal Tarsus staters of the 4th century BC with lion and bull above crenelated city walls.

HID09801242017

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