Gemini, LLC
Auction X 13 January 2013
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Ionia. Uncertain Mint. 6th century BC. EL Hecte, 2.38g. Obv: Head of bull right. Rx: Star-like pattern within incuse. Cf. SNG von Aulock 1786, and Lanz 147 (2009), lot 91. Apparently unpublished. The star-shaped reverse punch is attested with the bull on obverse, but hitherto only with the bull facing left. EF.
Ex Jonathan Rosen Collection.
A new type among the numerous Milesian-weight electrum issues that cannot yet be attributed to mints. The abundance of types has made scholars wonder whether private persons or associations (bankers, temples, dynasts) were the issuers rather than civic mints. However, one has to keep in mind that among early Greek coinages many had constantly changing types (Cyzicus, Phocaea and Mytilene continued this in later times), and so the complexity of early Greek electrum coinage does not imply a multitude of little mints. The image of this coin, the bull, is a powerful symbol that was used by the Lydian king Croesus, the Samians, and the Poseidonians in the West.
Ex Jonathan Rosen Collection.
A new type among the numerous Milesian-weight electrum issues that cannot yet be attributed to mints. The abundance of types has made scholars wonder whether private persons or associations (bankers, temples, dynasts) were the issuers rather than civic mints. However, one has to keep in mind that among early Greek coinages many had constantly changing types (Cyzicus, Phocaea and Mytilene continued this in later times), and so the complexity of early Greek electrum coinage does not imply a multitude of little mints. The image of this coin, the bull, is a powerful symbol that was used by the Lydian king Croesus, the Samians, and the Poseidonians in the West.