Stater

Historical Context: This silver stater was issued by the prosperous city-state of Soloi in Cilicia between 440 BC and 410 BC. This High Classical period coincided with the Peloponnesian War and increasing Persian influence in Asia Minor. Soloi, a key port and trading center, maintained significant autonomy. This coinage underscored the city's economic vitality and independent status, facilitating commerce across the Eastern Mediterranean and reflecting its strategic importance in a contested region.

Artistry: While the engraver remains anonymous, this stater exemplifies the High Classical Greek style, characterized by refined naturalism and idealized forms. The typical obverse features a finely rendered head of Athena, often in an elaborate Attic helmet, embodying Hellenic cultural ties. The reverse frequently displays a prominent grape bunch, symbolizing local agricultural abundance, often accompanied by the clear ethnic inscription SOLEWN.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a silver flan of 10.65 grams and 20.5 millimeters, this stater adheres to established Cilician weight standards. Key high-points for preservation include Athena's helmet crest and facial details, along with the individual grapes and tendrils on the reverse. Technical qualities typically involve a centered strike, good metal purity, and varying die wear or flan imperfections, common to hand-struck coinage of the 5th century BC, affecting sharpness and surface integrity.