Ancient Greece - 377-352 BCE Satraps of Caria, Maussollus AR Tetradrachm NGC XF in Fine Style

SATRAPS OF CARIA. Mausolus (also called Maussolus) 377-353 BC. AR Tetradrachm, 15.21g (22mm, 12h). NGC Strike 4/5, Surface 5/5. Obverse: Three-quarter facing (to the right) laureate head of Apollo. Reverse: ΜYΣΣΩΛΛΟ Zeus Labrandeus standing holding scepter and double headed axe. In front, symbol 'B'. A beautifully engraved head of Apollo without any wear. Some light iridescence. Reverse Zeus has details but general overall wear. Legend is also slightly worn. What make this example quite unusual is that the obverse appears to be uncirculated while the reverse has significant, noticeable wear. References: SNG Copenhagen 590. SNG von Aulock 2360.

Mausolus, 377–353 BCE. Casting from the Pushkin Museum (Moscow). Photo: Wikimedia Commons.

For over 50 years Caria, located on the shore of western Asia Minor, was ruled by the Hectamonid Dynasty. The Achaemendis had possession of Caria at the time and installed Hectomnus as its satrap by the ruler Artaxerxes II. In 377 BC, after the passing of Hecatomnus his oldest child Mausolus took power of Caria. He was charged to be satrap under the Persians but in essence he ran a virtually independent princedom.

Mausolus not only ruled Caria, but also significant regions of Ionia and Lycia. Playing other Greek territories against each other, he instigated fighting among those allied with Athens in order to protect his territory and expand his power. The wars of Athens against her allies from 357-355 BC were caused by his expert meddling. Causing a serious rift between Athens and her allied Greek city states, Mausolus then began to force out democratic rulers and install oligarchies that vowed allegiance to him.