© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.
Æ17 360 BC - 350 BC
| Bronze | 4.84 g | 17.0 mm |
| Issuer | Tyra (Skythia) |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 360 BC - 350 BC |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 4.84 g |
| Diameter | 17.0 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#193650 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Bull standing right, head facing
Script: Greek
Lettering: ΤΥΡΑ
Comment
Anokhin (1989) 423.
Interesting fact
The Tyra (Skythia) coin is one of the earliest known coins to feature a portrait of a king or ruler. The obverse side of the coin depicts a bearded king wearing a satrapal hat, which was a distinctive type of hat worn by Persian satraps, or governors. This suggests that the coin may have been issued during the reign of a Persian king, possibly Artaxerxes III, who ruled from 358 to 338 BC. The inclusion of a portrait on the coin was a significant innovation in coinage design and paved the way for the widespread use of portraits on coins in the ancient world.
