© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
© American Numismatic Society (ANS)
⅓ Stater - Menelaos 312 BC - 306 BC
| Gold | 2.75 g | - |
| Issuer | Salamis of Cyprus (Cyprus (ancient)) |
|---|---|
| Governor | Menelaus (312 BC - 306 BC) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 312 BC - 306 BC |
| Value | ⅓ Gold Stater (20⁄3) |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Gold |
| Weight | 2.75 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#125895 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Crowned male bust facing left. Inscription in Cypriot syllabic on the right field. The syllable is for (pa-) for king, which is the first syllable in pa-si-le-wo-se, king in Cypriot-syllabic.
Script: Cypriot
Lettering: 𐠞
Translation: King
Comment
Menelaus, the brother of Ptolemy of Egypt surrendered the island of Cyprus to Dimitrios Poliorkitis after a naval battle of Salamis during the power struggle for control of the empire of Alexander the Great.BMC Greek Vol.24 Pl.XXIV.23
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the ⅓ Stater - Menelaos (312 BC - 306 BC) from Salamis of Cyprus (Cyprus (ancient)) made of Gold weighing 2.75 g is that it features the image of a lion on one side and the name of Menelaos on the other, indicating the importance of the lion as a symbol of power and authority in ancient Cyprus.
