1⁄24 Stater - Kroisos Sardes

Đơn vị phát hành Kings of Lydia
Năm 560 BC - 546 BC
Loại Standard circulation coin
Mệnh giá 1⁄24 Stater = 3⁄24 Drachm (1/8)
Tiền tệ Drachm
Chất liệu Silver
Trọng lượng 0.41 g
Đường kính 6.0 mm
Độ dày
Hình dạng Round (irregular)
Kỹ thuật Hammered, Incuse
Hướng
Nghệ nhân khắc
Lưu hành đến
Tài liệu tham khảo Klein#562, Berk#29, Berk#30, SNG Kayhan#1022
Mô tả mặt trước Confronted foreparts of a lion, on the left facing right, and a bull, on the right facing left
Chữ viết mặt trước
Chữ khắc mặt trước
Mô tả mặt sau Incuse square
Chữ viết mặt sau
Chữ khắc mặt sau
Cạnh
Xưởng đúc
Số lượng đúc ND (560 BC - 546 BC) - -
ID Numisquare 2289800870
Thông tin bổ sung

Historical Context: This 1/24 stater was issued by Kroisos (Croesus), the legendary last king of Lydia, reigning 560-546 BC. Lydia, in western Anatolia, is distinguished as the first state to issue true coinage. Kroisos, famed for his immense wealth, oversaw a pivotal transition from electrum to a bimetallic system of pure gold and silver. This small silver denomination reflects his kingdom's sophisticated economy before its conquest by Cyrus the Great of Persia.

Artistry: The coin's design embodies the early Archaic Greek artistic style prevalent in Ionian workshops. The obverse features the iconic confronted foreparts of a roaring lion and a powerful bull. This symbolic motif, representing royal power and agricultural prosperity, is a hallmark of Kroisos's coinage. The reverse typically displays one or more irregular incuse punches, characteristic of early coining technology, lacking pictorial or epigraphic detail.

Technical/Grading: As a minute silver denomination (0.41 grams, 6.0 mm), this 1/24 stater often presents striking challenges. High-points for wear are the muzzles, eyes, and manes of the animals. Early minting and small flans often result in off-center strikes, incomplete impressions, and varying depth in the reverse incuse. Full detail is rare; irregular flans influence overall eye appeal and grade.

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