Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 483 6 Jan 2021
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LYDIA, Uncertain. 4th century BC. Æ (12.5mm, 2.41 g, 12h). Wreathed head of Dionysos left / Kantharos; F (in Lydian) and S (in Lydian) flanking. Vögtli, Pergamon 524; CNG 100, lot 1487. Dark green-brown patina. VF. Very rare.
In previous sales, this issue has been variously attributed to either Cycladic Naxos or Syros. While both cities struck coins with the same types as on this issue, all of these cities' bronzes consistently bear the first two letters of their respective ethnic flanking the base of the kantharos. On this issue, however, these Greek letters have been replaced by two Lydian letters, allowing its correct attribution to a mint in Lydia. Sardes is a possibility, as it's spelling in Lydian was Sfard. However, not a single example was found in well-published coin finds from the extensive excavations at Sardes, so an attribution to that city would be speculative.
In previous sales, this issue has been variously attributed to either Cycladic Naxos or Syros. While both cities struck coins with the same types as on this issue, all of these cities' bronzes consistently bear the first two letters of their respective ethnic flanking the base of the kantharos. On this issue, however, these Greek letters have been replaced by two Lydian letters, allowing its correct attribution to a mint in Lydia. Sardes is a possibility, as it's spelling in Lydian was Sfard. However, not a single example was found in well-published coin finds from the extensive excavations at Sardes, so an attribution to that city would be speculative.