Nomos 22

KINGS OF LYDIA. Kroisos, circa 564/53-550/39 BC. Stater (Gold, 19x14 mm, 10.77 g), heavy standard, Sardes. On the left, forepart of a lion with open jaws 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. SNG Berry 1137. SNG Copenhagen 454. SNG Munich 6. Well-centered, attractive, and struck on a full flan. Some rust and die wear on the obverse, otherwise, extremely fine.

Selections from an Important American Collection, acquired privately c. 2010.

The obverse of this coin, which is quite clear and powerful, seems to have been struck with a worn die, as can be seen by the traces of die rust around the lion's jaw, and the slight flatness of the types, which was certainly not caused by actual circulation wear. The reverse, however, seems to have been struck by absolutely brand new, unworn punches (!), implying that this coin was basically uncirculated when it went into the ground!!