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Exceptional Maussolos Silver Tetradrachm
211
Carian Satraps. Maussolos. Silver Tetradrachm (15.06 g), 377-353 BC. Laureate head of Apollo facing
slightly right. Rev. Zeus Labraundos standing right, holding labrys and scepter; in left field,
P
. Cf. Pix-
odarus pl. 33, 37; SNG Kayhan -; SNG von Aulock -. Boldly struck in high relief. Excellent metal and
beautifully toned. Superb Extremely Fine.
$5,000
From the Dionysus Collection.
Maussolos was perhaps one of the most famous of the Hekatomnid dynasts of Caria who nominally served the Great King
of Persia as regional satrap. He briefly participated in the Great Satraps’ Revolt (366-360 BC) against Artaxerxes III but soon
returned to the side of his Persian master, expanding his territory to include parts of Lycia, Ionia, and several islands. He
embraced Greek culture and increasingly involved himself in Greek affairs, instigating and supporting Rhodian involve-
ment in the Social War (357-355 BC) against Athens. Maussollos is perhaps most famous for his great tomb which he built
at Halikarnassos after moving his capital from Mylasa. This tomb was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient
world and gave us the term mausoleum in English. The reverse depicts Zeus Labraundos, the patron deity of Mylasa and the
Hekatomnid dynasty. Ironically it was in the god’s temple at Labranda that assassins attempted to kill Maussollos in 353 BC.
212
Carian Satraps. Pixodaros. Silver Didrachm (6.89 g), ca. 341/0-336/5 BC. Halikarnassos. Laureate head
of Apollo facing slightly right, drapery tied at neck. Rev.
P
I
X
O
D
APOY, Zeus Labraundos standing right,
holding labrys. Konuk 30; SNG Kayhan 891-2. Perfectly centered, lustrous and attractively toned. Superb
Extremely Fine.
$1,500
From the Dionysus Collection.