Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 387 30 November 2016
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WESTERN ASIA MINOR, Uncertain (Lampsakos?). Late 6th-early 5th centuries BC. Pale EL Hekte or AR Third Stater (10mm, 2.28 g). Lydo-Mylesian standard. Forepart of Pegasos left / Quadripartite incuse square. Unpublished in the standard references, but cf. CNG 88, lot 295 and Triton X, lot 272 for others recently appearing on the market. VF, slightly off center.
These pale EL hektai, which may actually be silver, have traditionally been given to Lampsakos based on their style and fabric, but the weight standard of all that have appeared, including their fully EL counterparts, are too light for the Phokaic standard which the staters are struck on. In fact, these seem to be struck on the Lydo-Milesian standard, though all of the examples known do appear slightly too light for that standard, as well. That said, see Gorny & Mosch 126, lot 1321, for an EL hekte that is of this light weight, but also includes the wreath surrounding Pegasos as on the staters. Perhaps there was a short period when Lampsakos had to strike coins on a reduced standard? Against this theory are two silver third staters attributed to Lamsakos in the Ashmolean (SNG nos. 648–9), that are on the correct Phokaic weight. In sum, the evidence for Lampsakos is compelling, but inconclusive without further information.
These pale EL hektai, which may actually be silver, have traditionally been given to Lampsakos based on their style and fabric, but the weight standard of all that have appeared, including their fully EL counterparts, are too light for the Phokaic standard which the staters are struck on. In fact, these seem to be struck on the Lydo-Milesian standard, though all of the examples known do appear slightly too light for that standard, as well. That said, see Gorny & Mosch 126, lot 1321, for an EL hekte that is of this light weight, but also includes the wreath surrounding Pegasos as on the staters. Perhaps there was a short period when Lampsakos had to strike coins on a reduced standard? Against this theory are two silver third staters attributed to Lamsakos in the Ashmolean (SNG nos. 648–9), that are on the correct Phokaic weight. In sum, the evidence for Lampsakos is compelling, but inconclusive without further information.