Roma Numismatics Ltd
E-Sale 77 26 Nov 2020
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Ionia, uncertain mint EL Hemihekte - 1/12 Stater. Circa 575-560 BC. Lydo-Milesian standard. Bridled head of horse left / Rough incuse square punch. Weidauer 141 = Weber 5718; cf. Traité I 346 (Hemihekte); cf. SNG Kayhan 715 (Hemihekte); cf. SNG von Aulock 1780 (Hemihekte). 0.90g, 19mm.
Extremely Fine. Very Rare.
Acquired from Leu Numismatik AG.
The first coins, struck from the naturally occurring amalgam of gold and silver known as electrum (in Greek, ἤλεκτρον, derived from the word ἠλέκτωρ - ēlektōr – literally, 'shining sun'), were either very primitive globules of metal with an incuse punch reverse, or had a rough striated surface (see the preceding lots). Very soon there followed coins with recognizable designs, the first likely being those with a lion's head and understood as being issues of the Lydian kings marked with their royal device, then a plethora of types exhibiting all manner of designs, this being an example. Some of these latter coins used as a device a punning allusion to the city name, such as the coins of Phokaia with a seal, but the very diversity of the types make it difficult in most instances to determine the issuing authority. In fact, it is probable that many of the coin types exhibit a personal as opposed to civic badge, being guaranteed by an individual of wealth and power rather than a municipality.
This rare type, known in only small numbers but in a series of denominations, from stater to myshemihekte, is among the very earliest of figural coins. Its early date is proven by the presence in the Artemision foundation deposit of a hemihekte and myshemihekte of this issue (E.S.G. Robinson, 'Coins from the Ephesian Artemision Reconsidered' in JHS LXXI [1951], 24-5).
Extremely Fine. Very Rare.
Acquired from Leu Numismatik AG.
The first coins, struck from the naturally occurring amalgam of gold and silver known as electrum (in Greek, ἤλεκτρον, derived from the word ἠλέκτωρ - ēlektōr – literally, 'shining sun'), were either very primitive globules of metal with an incuse punch reverse, or had a rough striated surface (see the preceding lots). Very soon there followed coins with recognizable designs, the first likely being those with a lion's head and understood as being issues of the Lydian kings marked with their royal device, then a plethora of types exhibiting all manner of designs, this being an example. Some of these latter coins used as a device a punning allusion to the city name, such as the coins of Phokaia with a seal, but the very diversity of the types make it difficult in most instances to determine the issuing authority. In fact, it is probable that many of the coin types exhibit a personal as opposed to civic badge, being guaranteed by an individual of wealth and power rather than a municipality.
This rare type, known in only small numbers but in a series of denominations, from stater to myshemihekte, is among the very earliest of figural coins. Its early date is proven by the presence in the Artemision foundation deposit of a hemihekte and myshemihekte of this issue (E.S.G. Robinson, 'Coins from the Ephesian Artemision Reconsidered' in JHS LXXI [1951], 24-5).