Catálogo
| Emisor | Lapethos |
|---|---|
| Año | 450 BC - 435 BC |
| Tipo | Standard circulation coin |
| Valor | Siglos (1) |
| Moneda | Drachm |
| Composición | Silver |
| Peso | 10.48 g |
| Diámetro | 22.0 mm |
| Grosor | |
| Forma | Round (irregular) |
| Técnica | Hammered, Incuse |
| Orientación | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Grabador(es) | |
| En circulación hasta | |
| Referencia(s) | BMC Greek#7-9, Tziambazis#48, ACGC#1093 |
| Descripción del anverso | Head of Athena to left in crested Corinthian helmet,inscription above. |
|---|---|
| Escritura del anverso | |
| Leyenda del anverso | |
| Descripción del reverso | Head of Athena facing in front, wearing a low helmet with bull’s ears. In the right and left field traces of Phoenician inscription, read as the name of the king. All within an incuse square. |
| Escritura del reverso | Phoenician |
| Leyenda del reverso |
(Translation: Sidqmelek) |
| Canto | |
| Casa de moneda | |
| Tirada |
ND (450 BC - 435 BC) - - |
| ID de Numisquare | 2411154650 |
| Información adicional |
Historical Context: This silver Siglos was issued by King Sidqmelek of Lapethos, a significant Phoenician city-kingdom on Cyprus, between 450 and 435 BC. This Early Classical period saw Cypriot kingdoms balancing between the Achaemenid Persian Empire and Greek city-states. Sidqmelek’s coinage highlights Lapethos’s economic autonomy and strategic maritime importance, demonstrating its right to mint currency despite broader regional influences.
Artistry: The anonymous engraver's work displays a fascinating blend of stylistic influences. The obverse design, typically featuring a powerful Herakles, shows nascent Early Classical Greek artistic trends, moving towards naturalistic and dynamic forms. This is subtly integrated with local Cypriot and Phoenician conventions, creating a distinctive regional style. The reverse often presents a more restrained design, sometimes with Phoenician script, reflecting Lapethos's dual cultural heritage.
Technical/Grading: Struck on a substantial 10.48-gram, 22.0-mm silver flan, this Siglos exhibits variable strike quality. High-points for wear or strike weakness include Herakles's facial features, musculature, and attributes. The reverse, often from a less detailed die, may show flatness or off-centering. A premium example would feature strong detail on both sides, good centering, and minimal die wear, indicating an early strike.