★ Very Rare and Important ★

PERSIA, Alexandrine Empire. Satraps of Mesopotamia. Mazakes, circa 331-323/2 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 22.5 mm, 13.81 g, 12 h), imitating Athens. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet ornamented with three olive leaves and palmette on bowl, and wearing circular earring and pearl necklace. Rev. MZDK in Aramaic script Owl standing right, head facing; in field to left, olive spray and crescent; in field to right, Θ. Le Rider, Alexander, pp. 214-9; Van Alfen, Owls, Group IVb. Lightly toned. Somewhat porous and with scratches on the obverse, otherwise, about very fine.

Mazakes was the Persian satrap who took over control of Egypt after Sabakes fell in battle against Alexander at the Granicus. He later handed over the province peacefully to the Macedonian king.