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The Tarsos Cilicia AR Stater, minted between 378 and 372 B.C., is a highly sought-after coin from the ancient city of Tarsos, located in Cilicia, modern-day southern Turkey. This piece represents a significant part of ancient Greek numismatic history and is tied to the rich cultural and political influence of the area during the Classical period. The stater is notable for its craftsmanship, its association with the Persian Empire's influence in the region, and its role in facilitating trade in the ancient Mediterranean world.
The design of the Tarsos Cilicia AR Stater is a remarkable example of ancient Greek coinage, combining artistic excellence with symbolic representation. On the obverse of the coin, the head of the goddess Arethusa, a symbol of fertility and protection, is depicted in high relief. Arethusa is shown facing to the left, her hair flowing behind her and adorned with a simple diadem, a traditional symbol of nobility. The image of Arethusa is encircled by four dolphins, which represent the connection to the sea, a key element of Tarsos's economy and trade routes. These dolphins also evoke the goddess's mythological association with water, as Arethusa was believed to be transformed into a fountain, flowing to the sea after being pursued by Alpheus. The dolphins serve to accentuate her role as a powerful and protective figure in Greek mythology.
On the reverse side of the coin, the god Ares is portrayed in a classical style, holding a spear and shield. Ares, the god of war, is shown in profile, embodying the martial spirit that the Cilician region was known for during this time. The depiction of Ares signifies the region's military importance and its cultural ties to the broader Greek world, where warfare and heroism were central themes in both mythology and daily life. The reverse design also includes an inscription identifying the minting authority, as well as a distinctive border that frames the image of Ares, further enhancing the visual appeal of the coin.
The Tarsos Cilicia AR Stater was struck from high-quality silver, a precious metal that was highly valued in the ancient world for its rarity and aesthetic appeal. The weight of the coin was standardized to around 10.5 grams, typical of the staters minted during this period. The silver content of the coin gives it both intrinsic value and historical significance, as it would have been used in commerce, trade, and various political transactions across the Mediterranean region. The coin would have circulated widely, both in Cilicia and in the neighboring regions, contributing to the economic prosperity of Tarsos and its strategic position in the ancient world.
The minting of the Tarsos Cilicia AR Stater took place during a time of significant political change and cultural exchange. The period of 378-372 B.C. coincided with the rule of the Persian Empire, which had a profound influence on the Greek city-states in Asia Minor, including Tarsos. The city was part of the Persian satrapy of Cilicia, which was strategically located between Anatolia and the Levant. The Persian Empire's influence on local governance, coinage, and military practices is reflected in the design of this coin, which blends Greek artistic traditions with Persian political realities.
The mintage of the Tarsos Cilicia AR Stater is believed to have been relatively extensive, though exact numbers are not known. The coin was likely produced in significant quantities to meet the demands of trade and local use, and examples of this stater can be found in various private collections and museums today. While the minting authority for this specific coinage is not definitively known, it is generally attributed to the Cilician region's rulers, who were often under the influence of the Persian Empire during this period. The widespread circulation of the coin attests to the prominence of Tarsos in the ancient Mediterranean trade networks, particularly its role as a commercial hub for silver and other goods.
The condition of the Tarsos Cilicia AR Stater can vary depending on the individual coin. High-grade examples, such as those graded XF (Extremely Fine), are prized by collectors for their sharp details, even wear, and clear depiction of the intricate designs. Coins in this grade typically show light wear to the highest points of the design, but the overall features, including the portraits of Arethusa and Ares, remain well-defined. The quality of the strike and the preservation of the coin are key factors in determining its desirability and value in the numismatic market. Coins in lower grades, such as VG (Very Good) or Fine, may display more significant wear, with less detailed images and more pronounced signs of circulation, but they still carry historical value.
The Tarsos Cilicia AR Stater is a valuable piece for collectors interested in ancient Greek and Persian coinage, as well as those with a focus on the history and culture of Asia Minor. The coin's design, with its vivid representation of mythological figures, speaks to the religious and cultural significance of the period, while its association with the Persian Empire underscores the political and economic context of the time. For collectors, the Tarsos Cilicia AR Stater offers an opportunity to own a tangible piece of ancient history, one that connects the mythological, artistic, and political worlds of the Classical Mediterranean.
In summary, the Tarsos Cilicia AR Stater is a remarkable example of ancient coinage, blending Greek artistic traditions with the political realities of the Persian Empire. Its design, featuring the goddess Arethusa on the obverse and the god Ares on the reverse, encapsulates the religious and military themes that were central to the city of Tarsos and the broader Mediterranean world. The coin's minting during the late 4th century B.C. reflects the economic and political climate of the time, while its high-quality silver content and widespread circulation testify to the city's importance as a commercial center. Today, the Tarsos Cilicia AR Stater is a sought-after collectible, appreciated not only for its artistic beauty but also for its historical significance as a link between the Greek and Persian worlds.