Lydian Kingdom, Croesus, after 561 BC, Sardes mint, AR hemi-stater or siglos, 4.78 g. (15 mm). Obverse: confronted foreparts of lion facing right and bull facing left, each with outstretched forelegs. Reverse: two square punches side by side, irregular interior surfaces. The very familiar proto-coin with vicious leaping lion, with natural toning and patina and good details on the animal heads.
VF+, attractive with sharp features and dark toning.
When Croesus ascended to the Lydian throne circa 561 BC he ushered in a revolution in the world economy. The most important reform attributed to Croesus was the introduction of a bimetallic coinage in gold and silver – the first precious metal coinage to be minted – augmenting and then replacing the previous electrum issues. The lion had previously been used by Lydian king Alyattes (c. 610 BC), and one theory is that this is a dynastic type, with the lion representing Alyattes, and the bull representing his son and successor. The creation of separate gold and silver denominations ranging from a full stater down to 1/96th of a stater was a visionary move that had a major impact on the ancient economy.
Please note that we are still working on adding images for the lots. If the lot you are interested in does not have images available yet, we invite you to check again in a few days.
If you still cannot find the images you are looking for in a few days, please send us a message. Important: don’t forget to mention the lot number(s).
Thank you for your understanding.
