Description
Datames, Stater, AR, 385-362 BC, struck in Tarsos under the Persian Empire. Weight: 10.27g, Diameter: 23mm. The obverse features Baal of Tarsos enthroned to the right, holding a sceptre and grapes, with an Aramaic legend (Baal tarz) behind. The reverse depicts the sky-god Ana, depicted naked, with his hand extending towards Datames, who raises his hand in a gesture of veneration. The strike presents clear details with even wear, as referenced in SNG von Aulock 5849. Datames was a prominent satrap under the Persian Empire, known for his assertive administration and defiance against Persian authority. During his tenure in Cilicia, he asserted local autonomy while maintaining a balance of power within the empire. His coinage reflects the diverse cultural influences of the region, illustrating the blend of Persian authority with local religious iconography through the depictions of Baal and Ana on this stater. This coin thus serves as a testament to both the political and cultural landscape of the era under the rule of Datames.