Caria. Mausolos. Halikarnassos. 377-353 BC. AR Tetradrachm (14.56g, 1h). Konuk 39h = Tradart 6.108 (this coin). Lightly toned. Perfectly centered and struck in high relief. A lovely portrait of enchanting beauty, the work of a very skilled master-engraver. Good very fine. From the Sadijas collection; Tradart 1998 (7) lot 86; Ariadne 1982 (7 December) lot 114; from the 1978 Pixodaros hoard (CH 9.421)
Of all Carian satraps, Mausolos is the best remembered because his name is embedded in "mausoleum", a word inspired by this satrap's elaborate burial structure at Halikarnassos. The structure was designed by the Greek architects Satyros and Pythios. It was about 45m in height and the four sides were adorned with sculptural reliefs, each created by one of four famous Greek sculptors: Leochares, Scopas of Paros, Bryaxis and Timotheos. The mausoleum was considered to be such an æsthetic triumph that Antipater of Sidon identified it as one of his Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Price realized | 10'000 EUR |
Starting price | 4'000 EUR |