Stater

Historical Context: Mylasa, a prominent Carian city, issued this silver stater between 520 and 490 BC, a period of significant geopolitical transition under the burgeoning Achaemenid Persian Empire. While nominally under Persian suzerainty, Mylasa, like many Carian cities, maintained considerable local autonomy, often governed by dynasts. This coinage reflects Mylasa's economic strength and strategic importance within the region, likely facilitating trade and supporting military endeavors, prior to the later prominence of Halicarnassus under Mausolus.

Artistry: Characteristic of Archaic Greek coinage from Asia Minor, this stater features a powerful artistic style. While no specific engraver is known, the design school emphasizes robust, stylized animal representations. The obverse typically displays the forepart of a roaring lion, a potent symbol of strength and authority, rendered with a distinctive archaic frontality and vigor. The reverse often presents a simple, geometric incuse square, a common feature of early coinage reflecting nascent minting techniques and a stark contrast to the obverse's detail.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a substantial 10.75-gram silver flan measuring 18.0 mm, this stater exhibits the technical characteristics typical of early minting. High points for wear and strike quality on the lion include the muzzle, mane, and ear, which often show variable detail and relief. Archaic issues frequently feature irregular flan shapes and off-center strikes. The reverse incuse square typically appears somewhat crude, reflecting the early punch die technology, and may not always align perfectly with the obverse design.