Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction XIX 26-27 Mar 2020
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Cyprus, Amathos AR Stater. Uncertain king (Mo-), circa 450-30 BC. Lion recumbent to right; above, eagle flying right; [Φ] in exergue / Forepart of lion to right within round incuse. Amandry, Monnayage, 126, 1 = NAC 106 (2018), 282 (same obv. die); BMC p. xxvi, § 9, (ii.) and pl. XVIII, 3 (same obv. die); Tziambazis 2 (same obv. die). 11.29g, 23mm, 3h.
Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare, apparently the fifth known example and only the second in private hands.
Acquired from Leu Numismatik AG;
Ex European collection, formed before 2005.
The ancient city of Amathos is known primarily from the coins struck by the kings as well as from literary sources. This particular coin brings together both the hellenistic influences on the city with the more eastern Persian and Phoenician influences. The hellenic lions depicted on both sides of the coin represent Amathos' position as one of the oldest Greek cities on Cyprus, however the emphasis on the ribs the treatment of the mane reminds us of the alliances Amathos held with cities on the Phoenician coast and how their culture permeated here alongside the Greek.
Extremely Fine. Extremely Rare, apparently the fifth known example and only the second in private hands.
Acquired from Leu Numismatik AG;
Ex European collection, formed before 2005.
The ancient city of Amathos is known primarily from the coins struck by the kings as well as from literary sources. This particular coin brings together both the hellenistic influences on the city with the more eastern Persian and Phoenician influences. The hellenic lions depicted on both sides of the coin represent Amathos' position as one of the oldest Greek cities on Cyprus, however the emphasis on the ribs the treatment of the mane reminds us of the alliances Amathos held with cities on the Phoenician coast and how their culture permeated here alongside the Greek.