Stater

Historical Context: This electrum stater, issued by an uncertain Ionian city between 500 BC and 480 BC, belongs to a pivotal era marking the transition from the Late Archaic to the Early Classical period in ancient Greece. Ionia, a region of immense economic vitality and cultural innovation, was a crucible for early coinage, often under the looming shadow of the Persian Empire. The use of electrum, a natural alloy of gold and silver, was characteristic of Lydian and early Ionian mints, signifying a sophisticated monetary system predating the widespread adoption of pure silver coinage. The anonymity of the issuing authority underscores the decentralized nature of early Greek minting and the pragmatic focus on intrinsic metal value in this dynamic commercial landscape.

Artistry: While no specific engraver is attributable, the coin’s artistry reflects the prevailing Late Archaic style, characterized by robust forms and a nascent move towards naturalism. Ionian electrum staters of this period typically feature animal protomes, mythological beasts, or abstract symbols, rendered with a powerful, often heraldic quality. The design, though unspecified in the data, would have been executed with a directness and vigor typical of early die-cutters, emphasizing the primary device within the circular flan. The artistic choices, even from an uncertain city, were integral to establishing the coin's identity and trustworthiness within a bustling mercantile network.

Technical/Grading: This stater, weighing 14.05 grams, conforms to the established weight standard for electrum issues of the period. Early electrum coinage often exhibits characteristic technical qualities: irregular flans, sometimes slightly off-center strikes, and varying degrees of die wear. The high-points of the design, which would typically include the highest relief elements of any animal head or central motif, are prone to early wear. The reverse usually features an incuse punch mark, often of a simple geometric form. The overall strike quality, though hand-executed, would have been sufficient for its intended economic function, with the Linzalone#1174 reference confirming its cataloged existence.