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1⁄12 Stater - Kroisos Light Type
| Issuer | Kings of Lydia |
|---|---|
| Year | 560 BC - 546 BC |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Diameter | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | Plain incuse square punch of irregular rectangular form, deeply impressed into the flat reverse of the flan by the hammering process. The punch is divided diagonally into two triangular sections of differing surface texture — one relatively smooth and one striated — a characteristic feature of the Kroisos light gold coinage produced at Sardis. No legend, device, or secondary design is present; the entire reverse is occupied by this single geometric incuse mark. |
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| Mintage | ND (560 BC - 546 BC) |
| Additional information |
Kroisos reformed the Lydian monetary system around 560 BC by separating gold and silver into distinct denominations for the first time in history — an innovation that made meaningful exchange rates between metals possible and directly influenced the coinage systems adopted by the Achaemenid Persians after Cyrus conquered Sardis in 546 BC. The Light Type designation distinguishes this fractional issue from the earlier Heavy series, reflecting a deliberate weight standard reduction.
At 0.68 grams, this twelfth-stater was among the smallest practical gold coins of the ancient world. Sardis fell to Cyrus the Great before this type had circulated long.