Siglos - Evelthon

Historical Context: This silver Siglos was issued by Evelthon, King of Salamis in Cyprus, during a pivotal period from 500 to 478 BC. Salamis, a dominant Cypriot city-kingdom, navigated complex geopolitical currents between the rising power of classical Greece and the established Persian Empire. Evelthon's coinage underscores the city's economic autonomy and its participation in regional trade networks, reflecting a distinct Cypriot identity amidst broader influences and the adoption of the Siglos weight standard for regional trade.

Artistry: While the engraver remains anonymous, the coin exemplifies the Archaic stylistic school prevalent in the Eastern Mediterranean. Typical designs for Evelthon's coinage include a powerful ram, often depicted in a static or striding pose, on the obverse, symbolizing strength or fertility. The reverse frequently features an ankh or star, motifs deeply rooted in Cypriot and Near Eastern iconography, rendered with the characteristic solidity and directness of early numismatic art.

Technical/Grading: Struck on an 11.18 gram, 21.0 mm silver flan, these early Sigloi often exhibit characteristic production nuances. High-points susceptible to wear typically include the ram's head, horns, and the details of its fleece, or the intricate lines of the ankh. Technical strike qualities frequently present as irregular flans, minor off-centering, and varying degrees of die wear, common for issues of this period, yet contributing to their unique historical authenticity.