Catálogo
| Emisor | Kings of Lydia |
|---|---|
| Año | 560 BC - 546 BC |
| Tipo | Standard circulation coin |
| Valor | 1⁄24 Stater = 3⁄24 Drachm (1/8) |
| Moneda | Drachm |
| Composición | Silver |
| Peso | 0.41 g |
| Diámetro | 6.0 mm |
| Grosor | |
| Forma | Round (irregular) |
| Técnica | Hammered, Incuse |
| Orientación | |
| Grabador(es) | |
| En circulación hasta | |
| Referencia(s) | Klein#562, Berk#29, Berk#30, SNG Kayhan#1022 |
| Descripción del anverso | Confronted foreparts of a lion, on the left facing right, and a bull, on the right facing left |
|---|---|
| Escritura del anverso | |
| Leyenda del anverso | |
| Descripción del reverso | Incuse square |
| Escritura del reverso | |
| Leyenda del reverso | |
| Canto | |
| Casa de moneda | |
| Tirada |
ND (560 BC - 546 BC) - - |
| ID de Numisquare | 2289800870 |
| Información adicional |
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.