CILICIA. Tarsus. Balacros, as Satrap (333-323 BC). AR stater (23mm, 10.72 gm, 4h). NGC Choice AU S 4/5 - 4/5. B'LTRZ (Aramaic), Baaltars seated left on backless throne, grounded scepter surmounted by eagle in right hand, grain ear and bunch of grapes before / Lion left, attacking bull right, above two crenellated walls, each with four towers; club left and B above. Casabonne Series 1. SNG France 2, 365-366 var. (no grapes on obverse). Solidly struck from artistic dies with incredible eye appeal. This intriguing type carries forward the design of an earlier issue of the satrap Mazaeus (361-334 BC). Author David Hendin has suggested that the impressive circuit of walls shown on the reverse may be those of Jerusalem, which fell within the jurisdiction of the Satrap of Cilicia and is known to have one of the most impressive walls in the region.

HID09801242017

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