Cyprus, Paphos, King Onasioikos. Stater; Cyprus, Paphos, King Onasioikos; c. 450-400 BC, Stater, 11.02g. J. Hirsch XXI, 1908, lot 3945 (this coin, possibly unique). Obv: Eagle head l., unclear (worn die). Rx: Eagle flying l., with one wing above body and the second wing below body; in field below eagle's head, knucklebone; all in incuse square. Possibly unique with this eagle-head (?) obverse type. The attribution to a King Onasioikos is based on similar coins but with a standing bull rather than eagle's head on obverse and on reverse eagle flying left with apparent inscription "Onasi": see BMC, pp. lxxi-lxxiii. Ex NFA IX, 10 December 1980, lot 309 Ex Jameson I, 1913, no. 1626 Ex J. Hirsch XXI, 16 November 1908, Consul Eduard Friedrich Weber Collection, Greek Coins, lot 3945.This possibly unique coin, despite its worn obverse die, was in three of the most famous collections of Greek coins of the early 20th century. Normally, a standing bull takes the place of the eagle head on the obverse. Assuming that the worn obverse die is fully struck without wear, this coin would grade EF.
($1850)