This
page is for coins that do not fit into a particular
Region of Asia Minor, or perhaps fit into more than
one.
Uncertain Greek
Uncertain Roman
These sections contain all of the strange coins that
cannot be attributed to a particular region, and are
mostly a mystery.
Achaemenid
Kings of Persia
The Persian empire virtually covered the entire Asia
Minor at one point in time. The King of Kings (Darius
I) divided the regions into satrapies
and exacted a tribute
based on size and importance.
Satraps
and Governors
The Persian overlords appointed Satraps (Governors)
to administer their affairs in Asia Minor. The King
did not trust these Satraps (rightfully so, as they
constantly revolted), and would send out spies called
"eye
of the King" to report back.
Countermarks
In ancient times, coins circulated freely and
would end up in distant locations. Countermarks were sometimes applied by local
authorities to certify foreign coinage as legal currency, or to signify that it has been tested for proper silver content (similar to a test cut). At other times, it seems that countermarks were used to re-value the coin (i.e. bronze issues in times of monetary inflation), or to allow worn coins to remain in circulation. |
