Tetradrachm - temp. Artaxerxes II (404 BC - 358 BC) front Tetradrachm - temp. Artaxerxes II (404 BC - 358 BC) back
Tetradrachm - temp. Artaxerxes II (404 BC - 358 BC) photo

Tetradrachm - temp. Artaxerxes II 404 BC - 358 BC

 
Silver 14.6 g -
Description
Issuer
Satrapy of Ionia (Achaemenid Satrapies)
King
Artaxerxes II Mnemon (405 BC - 358 BC)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
404 BC - 358 BC
Value
Tetradrachm (4)
Currency
Drachm (550-330 BCE)
Composition
Silver
Weight
14.6 g
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-10
References
Numista
N#90569
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Incuse square, within which ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ, the king bearbed, crowned, kneeling right. Holding bow in left, spear in right; infield left galley downwards.

Lettering: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ

Translation: Vasileos "King"

Comment

(PROVINCIAL COIN WITH ROYAL TYPE - Greco-Asiatic Standard - series V - ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ)

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it features an image of a Persian king, possibly Artaxerxes II, on one side, and an image of a lion on the other side. The lion was a symbol of the Achaemenid Empire and was often depicted on coins during this time period. This coin is a rare example of a Persian coin that was minted outside of Persia, specifically in the Satrapy of Ionia, which was a province of the Achaemenid Empire in western Anatolia (modern-day Turkey).