Nomos 25

IONIA. Uncertain mint. Circa 550-525 BC. Stater (Electrum, 19 mm, 14.24 g), Lydia-Milesian standard. Forepart of a bridled horse to left, rosette at the horse's breast and an uncertain floral symbol at the nape of the horse's neck; in the field to left, grape vine with clusters. Rev. Rectangular incuse flanked by two smaller incuse square, both types with irregular fillings . ACGC 56. Fischer-Bossert, Horses, Series I, 2 (dies H2/H1-H3). Konuk & Lorber fig. 7. SNG Kayhan 714 (same reverse punches). Traité pl. II, 24. Weidauer 138–9. Rare. An unusually well-preserved example, clear, lightly toned and struck on a broad flan. Some die rust and areas of flat striking, otherwise, good very fine.

From the collection of J. P. Rosen, acquired prior to 2015.

A most interesting coin, with a reverse that appears to be much earlier (i.e., c. 600-575 BC) than it is dated here; however, the obverse, which is stylistically very close to the early electrum staters of Lampsakos, brings it down into the late 6th century.