Nomos 11

KINGS of LYDIA. Kroisos, circa 560-546 BC. Heavy Stater (Gold, 18x10mm, 10.78 g), Sardes. On the left, forepart of a lion to right confronting, on the right, the forepart of a bull to left. Rev. Two incuse squares, of unequal size, side by side. BMFA 2068 (same obverse die). SNG Berry 1137. SNG Copenhagen 454. SNG Munich 6. A magnificent and splendid example, beautifully struck in high relief. Virtually as struck.

From a European collection.

These early staters are usually found worn or off struck - they obviously circulated for some time, even though the introduction of the light series must have meant that most of these heavy pieces were melted down and restruck. This piece simply has to have been buried very shortly after it was struck.