The Prospero Collection of Ancient Greek Coins. KINGDOM OF PERSIS. Bagadat (early-mid 3rd century B.C.), Silver Tetradrachm, 16.85g,. Head facing to right, wearing a kyrbasia with the flaps tied up, and an earring. Rev. Fire temple, King standing to right on left, a standard on right, Aramaic legend in field (Alram 525; Boston 2342). Traces of overstriking, struck in high relief, excellent portrait, nearly extremely fine and very rare. In the early 3rd century B.C., Persis began to produce coinage of remarkable artistic quality, of which the above coin is one of the earliest issues. This numismatic evidence also suggests that Bagadat was the first king of Persis, an independent kingdom that sprung-up from Seleucid territory in what is now south-western Iran. The iconography employed on this coinage is remarkably Persian, albeit in the Greek tradition of artistry seen in other Hellenistic coinages. The bearded portrait, adorned with a satrapal headdress, an elaborate moustache and a large earring, is very oriental in appearance. US$ 15,000
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