Evidence for a Central Mint

CNG 88, Lot: 412. Estimate $500. Sold for $1467. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

CILICIA, Soloi. Balakros. Satrap of Cilicia, 333-323 BC. AR Stater (25mm, 10.96 g, 2h). Baaltars seated left, holding lotus-tipped scepter; grain ear and grape bunch to left; B to right, Σ (engraved over M) below throne / Draped bust of Athena facing slightly left, wearing triple-crested Attic helmet. Casabonne series 2; SNG France 197 (same rev. die); SNG Levante -. Near EF, some porosity.

This interesting series of Balakros has been traditionally assigned to various Cilician mints based on the appearance of the letter below the throne. More recent research, as yet unpublished, suggests that all of these coins were actually struck at a central mint, most likely Tarsos. Close similarity of style of many coins assigned to different mints strongly supports this hypothesis (see, e.g., SNG France 197 and 410). The present coin provides even more compelling evidence for this conclusion, as the Σ below the throne is clearly engraved over an M (SNG France 197 is the same die, but the M has deteriorated in the die to the point of not being clear). Of course, an argument could be made that a die was transferred from Mallos, but it seems unlikely for such a prolific mint as Soloi.