Stater

Historical Context: This silver stater, issued by the Cilician city of Nagidos between 400 and 384 BC, represents a critical period of relative autonomy under nominal Achaemenid Persian suzerainty. Nagidos, a prominent Greek foundation, flourished as a vital maritime trading hub on the Mediterranean coast. The coin’s weight standard of 10.62g adheres to the Persic or Cilician standard, distinct from Attic, underscoring its integration into a regional economic sphere. This era precedes the city's eventual destruction by Artaxerxes III Ochus, marking a zenith of its independent minting activity and prosperity amidst increasing geopolitical pressures.

Artistry: The coin’s iconography and execution exemplify the Late Classical Greek style prevalent in Cilician mints. While individual engraver signatures are not known for this series, the artistry demonstrates skilled craftsmanship. The obverse typically features a seated Aphrodite, often rendered with idealized forms, intricate drapery, and a phiale or flower. The reverse commonly depicts Dionysos, standing contrapposto, holding a thyrsus and grapes, with robust anatomical detail. These stylistic choices reflect broader Hellenic artistic conventions, adapted to represent local cultic figures, embodying the city's Hellenic identity within a Persian-dominated landscape.

Technical/Grading: For superior grading, crucial high-points include the sharpness of Aphrodite's facial features, particularly the eyes, nose, and mouth, along with the distinctness of her intricate drapery folds on the obverse. On the reverse, the clarity of Dionysos's facial expression, musculature, and the precise rendering of the thyrsus and grapes are paramount. A strong, even strike ensuring full detail on both sides, coupled with excellent centering and minimal planchet flaws, wear, or corrosion, significantly elevates numismatic value. Surface preservation and original luster are also critical considerations for premium examples.