Lot 29. Tissaphernes AE13, c. 400-395 BC, rare

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Persian Satraps of Mysia. Tissaphernes (c. 400-395 BC). AE13 (1.77 g), Astyra, Mysia.
Obv. Head of Tissaphernes right, TIΣΣA below.
Rev. Facing cult-statue of Artemis Astyra; to left, AΣTYPH.
Klein KM p. 40, 253.

Rare. Excellent portrait. Some corrosion, otherwise, good very fine / very fine.

Tissaphernes, an important Persian Satrap, was one of the four generals of Artaxerxes' army in the battle at Kuxana, in which he played a decisive role in the defeat of the usurper Kyros (Xenophon, Anabasis, I, 8, 9 f). After that victory, Tissaphernes commanded the troops that chased Kyros' 10'000 Greek hoplites marching north to the Black Sea (ibd, II, 5, 2 f). His inability to defeat these Greeks and his defeat against a Spartan Army under the command of Agesilaos probably lead to his execution in 395 BC.

He may have been the first one to put the portrait of a living being on a coin.