Stater - Euanthes

Historical Context: This silver stater was issued by Euanthes, King of Salamis, Cyprus, around 450 BC. Euanthes reigned during a pivotal period in Cypriot history, marked by the island's strategic position between the burgeoning Athenian Empire and the vast Persian Achaemenid Empire. Salamis, as the most prominent city-kingdom, played a crucial role in maintaining its autonomy while navigating these powerful external influences. Euanthes' coinage served as a potent symbol of his sovereignty and the city's economic vitality, reflecting strong Hellenic cultural ties.

Artistry: The engraver, anonymous as typical for the era, worked within the Early Classical Greek stylistic school. The obverse commonly features a powerful head of Herakles, rendered with robust, transitioning naturalism, indicative of the period's artistic evolution. The reverse often displays a majestic lion or an eagle, potent symbols of strength and sovereignty. This Cypriot interpretation, while influenced by Attic traditions, maintains a distinctive local character, emphasizing clear, strong iconography suitable for widespread circulation.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a substantial 11.08-gram, 22-millimeter silver flan, this stater represents significant monetary value. For a typical Herakles head obverse, high-points encompass the hero's hair, brow, and facial musculature. Well-struck examples exhibit sharp details, good centering, and a complete impression of the dies. While minor flan irregularities or die wear are common for issues of this antiquity, the inherent quality of the silver metal generally ensures excellent preservation of the intricate design elements, allowing for clear appreciation of its historical and artistic merit.