KINGS of LYDIA, Alyattes II to Kroisos, Circa 610-546 BC. Hemihekte (Electrum, 6mm, 0.90 g), light standard, Sardes. Head of lion with open jaws to right; with a banker’s mark on the lion and with four more on the edge. Rev. Rough incuse square. SNG Kayhan 1015 var. Weidauer 90 var. A most interesting coin. Quite clear for the size. Five bankers’ marks, otherwise, very fine.
From a Swiss collector.
This is a most intriguing coin for monetary history. At the time it was made coins were still viewed as being a kind of uncertain bullion, which definitely needed to be assayed or otherwise checked prior to acceptance. Thus, this coin has received at least five countermarks, placed on its surfaces so that money changers or bankers who had previously tested it would be able to recognize it again.
Price realized | 480 CHF |
Starting price | 480 CHF |
Estimate | 600 CHF |