The coinage of Salamis, Cyprus, from the sixth to the fourth centuries B.C.

This study, based on a full catalogue of the gold and silver coinage, includes discussion of the chronological evidence, historical information, and iconographical significance of the coinage of the mint of Salamis in Cyprus from the late sixth century to the end of the Teucrid dynasty at the end of the fourth century. The corpus is compiled from major collections throughout Europe and North America. Where possible I have also included coins from private collections and numismatic sales. The study is divided into three chronological sections: 1) the sixth and fifth centuries B.C.; 2) the coinage of King Evagoras I, and; 3) the fourth century B.C. Within each period the text is divided into six different sub-sections: i) types and iconography; ii) die and fabric study; iii) weight standard; iv) hoard evidence; v) archaeological evidence; and vi) historical evidence. The evidence compiled in these three sections has produced new conclusions regarding chronology, from the introduction of the city's coinage in the sixth century, to the end of the Teucrid dynasty. An investigation of written sources (ancient authors and inscriptions) and modern scholarship is also important in determining a chronology of the coinage and the dynastic line of Salamis. Historical sources also help in determining the area's economic development and trade relations. The hoard evidence proves to be not only critical for the study of the sequences of the different series, but also produces significant chronological comparisons regarding the distribution of the material which has important historical significance. The iconography of the various types on the coinage is also relevant for our understanding of Cypriot religion and its symbolism during the archaic and classical periods. This area of study is particularly relevant for the comparison between the more eastern attributes of the sixth and fifth century with the more hellenised iconography of the fourth.