Catalogo
| Emittente | Kings of Lydia |
|---|---|
| Anno | 560 BC - 546 BC |
| Tipo | Standard circulation coin |
| Valore | 1⁄24 Stater = 3⁄24 Drachm (1/8) |
| Valuta | Drachm |
| Composizione | Silver |
| Peso | 0.41 g |
| Diametro | 6.0 mm |
| Spessore | |
| Forma | Round (irregular) |
| Tecnica | Hammered, Incuse |
| Orientamento | |
| Incisore/i | |
| In circolazione fino al | |
| Riferimento/i | Klein#562, Berk#29, Berk#30, SNG Kayhan#1022 |
| Descrizione del dritto | Confronted foreparts of a lion, on the left facing right, and a bull, on the right facing left |
|---|---|
| Scrittura del dritto | |
| Legenda del dritto | |
| Descrizione del rovescio | Incuse square |
| Scrittura del rovescio | |
| Legenda del rovescio | |
| Bordo | |
| Zecca | |
| Tiratura |
ND (560 BC - 546 BC) - - |
| ID Numisquare | 2289800870 |
| Informazioni aggiuntive |
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.