Catalogue
| Émetteur | Lapethos |
|---|---|
| Année | 525 BC - 401 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Valeur | 2 Siglos |
| Devise | Drachm |
| Composition | Silver |
| Poids | 10.82 g |
| Diamètre | 22 mm |
| Épaisseur | |
| Forme | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered, Incuse |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Graveur(s) | |
| En circulation jusqu’à | |
| Référence(s) | Rosen#748 |
| Description de l’avers | Giant in the running/kneeling position to left, staunching a wound in his stomach with both hands. |
|---|---|
| Écriture de l’avers | |
| Légende de l’avers | |
| Description du revers | Herakles, wearing lion`s skin with a curled tail, in the running/kneeling position to right, brandishing a club held in his upraised right hand and holding a bow and two arrows with his left; all within a dotted frame and a shallow incuse square. |
| Écriture du revers | |
| Légende du revers | |
| Tranche | |
| Atelier | |
| Tirage |
ND (525 BC - 401 BC) - - |
| ID Numisquare | 5270958110 |
| Informations supplémentaires |
Historical Context: The Double Siglos of Lapethos, issued between 525 and 401 BC, hails from a significant Cypriot city-kingdom under Achaemenid Persian suzerainty. Despite Persian rule, Lapethos maintained crucial autonomy, including the right to mint coinage. This denomination, a "Double Siglos," signifies the adoption of a Persian weight standard, adapted for local economic needs. These issues highlight Lapethos's economic importance and its role in regional trade during a dynamic period of shifting Greco-Persian geopolitical influences.
Artistry: Though the engraver is unknown, the coin's design reflects Archaic to Early Classical Greek artistic traditions, often incorporating distinct Cypriot iconography. Lapethos coinage frequently features a powerful recumbent lion on the obverse, symbolizing strength or royal authority, complemented by an eagle on the reverse, representing divine power. The style is robust and direct, characteristic of Cypriot mints asserting their sovereignty through clear, symbolic imagery.
Technical/Grading: This silver Double Siglos (10.82 grams, 22 millimeters) exhibits typical ancient hand-struck characteristics. High-points prone to wear include the lion's mane and musculature, and the eagle's head and wing feathers. Technical strike qualities vary; irregular flan shapes and minor off-centering are common. A well-struck example will show a full, clear impression of both designs, good metal integrity, and minimal die wear, allowing for precise detail identification.