Kios, Bithynia, c. 340 - 315 B.C.

Traditionally, the earliest precious metal coinage of Kios has been dated after Alexander the Great's capture of Kios in 334 B.C. More recently, however, Oliver Hoover and other numismatists suggest this type, struck on a Persic standard, was probably minted to pay mercenaries to defend against Alexander's invasion, which began in 336 B.C.
GS89610. Silver siglos, Rec Gén I.2 p. 311, 2, pl. XLIX, 7; HGC 7 552 (R2); BMC Pontos -, SNG Cop -, SNGvA -, VF, attractive style, toned, light marks, a little off center, edge split, Kios (near Gemlik, Turkey) mint, weight 4.890g, maximum diameter 17.6mm, die axis 0o, Nikas, magistrate, c. 340 - 315 B.C.; obverse laureate head of Apollo right; reverse war galley prow left, ornamented with star over an apotropaic eye, waves indicated on side of hull, NIKAΣ (magistrate's name) above; ex CNG e-auction 438, lot 132; very rare