Silver obol struck at Tarsos in Cilicia, dated to approximately 333–323 BC, belonging to issues produced during a pivotal period for the region connected with the campaign of Alexander the Great in Asia Minor and the takeover of former Achaemenid administrative centres.
Tarsos, one of the most important cities of Cilicia, is well attested in ancient sources, including Arrian and Strabo, as a significant administrative and strategic centre. After its capture by Alexander in 333 BC, the city became an important base for military logistics and for the production of coinage used to supply the Macedonian army.
Greece
Cilicia, Tarsus, Obol 333-323 BC
Obverse: draped bust of Athena facing slightly left, wearing triple-crested helmet and necklace
Reverse: boeotian shield embossed with thunderbolt
Diameter 9 mm, weight 0.71 g
