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Trite - Alyattes II 'Branch'
| Issuer | Kings of Lydia |
|---|---|
| Year | 610 BC - 560 BC |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Diameter | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Struck in electrum, the obverse displays a complex Lydian device featuring a central globular eye or boss motif flanked by stylized zoomorphic and vegetal elements, including what appears to be a branch or floral spray and confronted or striding animal figures rendered in the characteristic early Lydian granular and striated style. The imagery is deeply and boldly struck in high relief across the irregular flan, occupying the full field without border or legend. The design reflects the archaic Lydian artistic tradition of symbolic rather than portrait coinage, with vigorous, if schematic, modelling of the component devices. The surface retains its characteristic golden electrum lustre consistent with the natural alloy sourced from the Pactolus River region. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
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| Reverse description | The reverse exhibits two incuse square punches of unequal size side by side, each sunk into the flan by the punch of the moneyer's tool in the archaic Lydian hammered technique. The left incuse is slightly larger and contains a roughly textured surface with faint impressed striations, while the right incuse punch shows a similar rough granular texture. Both punches are deeply recessed with sharply defined raised walls, consistent with the bi-partite incuse reverse type characteristic of Lydian trites of the reign of Alyattes II. No legend, inscription, or additional device is present on the reverse. |
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| Edge | Plain |
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