• Finest Quality Ancient Greek, Roman & Byzantine Coins
  • Renaissance & 17th Century Dutch Medals
  • Auctions & Private Treaty Sales

Nomos 8

22 October 2013
Zunfthaus zur Saffran, Zürich
overview
Estimate: 7500 CHF
Hammer Price:  8500 CHF
Lot 180

KINGS of LYDIA. Alyattes II. Circa 610-560 BC. Trite (Electrum, 12mm, 4.74 g), Sardes. Valvel Heads of two lions, with open jaws and staring eye, facing each other with an inscription between them; only the head facing to right is visible on this coin. Rev. Double incuse square. Weidauer 91-92. Very rare and clear. Good very fine.


From an American collection.

The coins of this series were struck from obverse dies that were made for staters, and as a result only part of the design, either a right or left facing lion’s head, is normally visible. Occasionally the tip of the other lion’s nose or his open jaws can be seen (as below, lot 186). In any case, this is one of the first inscribed coins ever issued, and bears the name of Alyattes, king of Lydia. Other early inscribed pieces exist that are apparently struck in the names of high officials.

Online bidding closes: 22 Oct 2013, 00:00:00 CEST Current Date & Time: 29 Mar 2024, 16:09:23 CET Remaining Time: Closed Hammer Price:8500 CHF

Pre-Bidding closes on 22 Oktober 2013 at 0:00 CEST. Live bidding starts at 14:00 CET and is EXCLUSIVELY available on biddr. Separate registration is required.

An error has occurred. This application may no longer respond until reloaded. Reload 🗙
Reconnecting, please wait...