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Home ▸ Catalog ▸ |Greek Coins| ▸ |Geographic - All Periods| ▸ |Anatolia| ▸ |Ionia| ▸ |Archaic Electrum||View Options:   | | | The earliest dated coin hoard was deposited in the foundation of the Artemision, the temple of Artemis at Ephesos, as an offering during construction, c. 600 B.C. These earliest coins, which included many of the types on this page, were struck from electrum, an alloy of gold and silver. The very earliest coins (sometimes described as proto-coins) were type-less (blank) electrum globules weighed to a specific standard with simple square punch marks on one side. After lines cut into the anvil (probably to prevent the blank globule from slipping) were transferred to coin, the obverse design was discovered. Soon, more complex designs were engraved into the anvil (and later into dies) and coinage as we know it was created. Click here to read "From the Origin of Coins to Croesus." |
As reported by B.V. Head in Chapter 5 of Excavations at Ephesus: The Archaic Artemisia, a coin of this type was one of five coins found in excavations underneath the foundations of the southern wall of the B cella of the Artemisia at Ephesus. The other four coins were lion head and lion paw types. Head wrote these coins must have been deposited during construction of the First Temple (A). Weidauer 145 is the coin found at the Artemisia (= Head Artemisia 79), now at the Arkeoloji Müzesi, Istanbul. The Weidauer coins have more wear (die wear?) than our coin, but do appear to be from the same obverse die.SH75300. Electrum 1/24 stater, Milesian standard; Weidauer 145 - 146; Head Artemisia p. 86 and pl. 2, 79; cf. SNGvA 1781 (different style); Rosen 287 (same); SNG Kayhan 717 (same), EF, perhaps the finest known of a very rare and important type, weight 0.597 g, maximum diameter 6.7 mm, uncertain Ionian mint, c. 600 - 550 B.C.; obverse bridled head and neck of Pegasos left, with top edge of wing visible; reverse raised cross pattern within incuse square punch; ex Tkalec AG auction Feb 2013, lot 88, realized 2,000 Swiss francs ($2,151) plus fees; ex Gorny & Mosch auction 199 (10 Oct 2011), realized 2,000 EUR ($2,699) plus fees; very rare; SOLD
Ionia, c. 600 - 550 B.C.
Some numismatists have attributed this type to the Carian Island of Cos, due to the striking similarities to the archaic silver coinage of that island. Although this attribution is possible, most of the numismatic community accepts this type as Ionian in origin.SH77551. Electrum Hekte (1/6 Stater), Unpublished in standard refs but about a dozen known from sales, cf. Rosen 346 - 347 (Anatolia, uncertain city, 1/96 Phocaic stater), VF, dark spots, weight 2.612 g, maximum diameter 10.0 mm, uncertain Ionian mint, Phocaic standard; obverse crab seen from above; reverse quadripartite incuse square; very rare; SOLD
Ionia, c. 650 - 600 B.C., Striated Type
Mankind's first coin type with an obverse and reverse! Rare and important. The earliest dated coin hoard was deposited in the foundation of the Artemision, the temple of Artemis at Ephesos, as an offering during construction, c. 600 B.C. These earliest coins, which included this type, were struck from electrum, a natural alloy of gold and silver found as nuggets in the rivers and streams of Lydia and Ionia. This striated type is the first type to have an obverse design in addition to the reverse punch. Because of its simple obverse design, it is described by some authorities as the first true coin.SH84473. Electrum Hemihekte (1/12 Stater), Lydo-Milesian standard; Weidauer 9, Traité I 13, SNGvA 7766, SNG Kayhan 681; Rosen 268; Elektron II 13, Karwiese Artemision Type I.6, EF, some wear to reverse punch, weight 1.078 g, maximum diameter 6.6 mm, Ionia, uncertain mint, c. 650 - 600 B.C.; obverse flattened striated surface; reverse square incuse punch; rare and important; SOLD
Western Anatolia, c. 620 - 600 B.C., Plain Globular Type
Certificate of Authenticity issued by David R. Sear.
Unpublished! The majority of the earliest electrum issues were struck on the lighter Milesian weight standard, with hectes weighing approximately 2.35 grams. This example, however is on the heavier Phocaic standard that was used at mints such as Cyzicus, Mysia and Phocaea, Ionia.SH85577. Electrum Hekte (1/6 Stater), Phokaic standard 1/6 stater; unpublished, EF, flan cracks, weight 2.721 g, maximum diameter 8.96 mm, uncertain western Anatolia mint, c. 620 - 600 B.C.; obverse plain globular surface; reverse one small incuse square punch; extremely rare; SOLD
Kyzikos, Mysia, c. 500 - 450 B.C.
Cyzicus was one of the great cities of the ancient world. It was said to have been founded by Pelasgians from Thessaly, according to tradition at the coming of the Argonauts; later, allegedly in 756 B.C., it received many colonists from Miletus. Owing to its advantageous position it speedily acquired commercial importance, and the gold staters of Cyzicus were a staple currency in the ancient world till they were superseded by those of Philip of Macedon. The site of Cyzicus, located on the Erdek and Bandirma roads, is protected by Turkey's Ministry of Culture.SH84459. Electrum Hekte (1/6 Stater), SNG BnF 241; SNGvA 1180; BMC Mysia p. 32, 98; Von Fritze I 102; Rosen 482; de Luynes pl. XCII 2460; SNG Cop -, gVF, well centered and struck on a tight flan, weight 2.628 g, maximum diameter 10.8 mm, Kyzikos (Kapu Dagh, Turkey) mint, c. 500 - 450 B.C.; obverse forepart of a winged deer left, tunny fish diagonal with head down behind; reverse quadripartite incuse square; rare; SOLD
Ionia, c. 650 - 600 B.C., Plain Globular Type
Mankind's first coin type! Rare and important. This is an example of the very earliest form of coinage; a type-less (blank) electrum globule, weighed to a specific standard, with simple square punches mark on one side (one punch on smaller denominations). Nine similar plain electrum pieces were within the famous "Artemision Find" at Ephesus in 1904, but all were smaller denominations, from 1/8 stater to a 1/96 stater.SH84754. Electrum Hekte (1/6 Stater), SNG Kayhan 674, Weidauer 4, Boston MFA 1750, Rosen -, SNGvA -, SNG Cop -, Traité -, BMC Ionia -, VF, scratches and marks, reverse incuses struck with worn punches, weight 2.347 g, maximum diameter 9.3 mm, uncertain Ionian mint, c. 650 - 600 B.C.; obverse plain globular surface; reverse two roughly square incuse punches; very rare; SOLD
Lydian Kingdom, Uncertain King Before Kroisos, c. 625 - 546 B.C.
According to Herodotus, the Lydians were the first people to use gold and silver coins and the first to establish retail shops in permanent locations. It is not known, however, whether Herodotus meant that the Lydians were the first to use coins of pure gold and pure silver or the first precious metal coins in general. Despite this ambiguity, this statement of Herodotus is one of the pieces of evidence most often cited on behalf of the argument that Lydians invented coinage, at least in the West, even though the first coins were neither gold nor silver but an alloy of the two called electrum.SH85433. Electrum Trite (1/3 Stater), Weidauer Series XVI 86, SNGvA 2869, SNG Kayhan 1013, Rosen 655, Boston MFA 1763, VF, banker's mark, some light scratches, weight 4.683 g, maximum diameter 12.5 mm, Sardes (Sart, Turkey) mint, c. 625 - 546 B.C; obverse Head of roaring lion right, with knob and rays atop snout; reverse two incuse squares; SOLD
Phokaia, Ionia, c. 521 - 478 B.C.
Phocaea, or Phokaia, was the northernmost Ionian city, on the boundary with Aeolis. The Phocaeans were the first Greeks to make long sea-voyages, developed a thriving seafaring economy, became a great naval power, and founded the colonies Massalia (Marseille, France), Emporion (Empúries, Spain) and Elea (Velia, Italy). They remained independent until all of mainland Ionia fell to Croesus of Lydia (c. 560-545 B.C.). In 546 B.C., Lydia was conquered by Cyrus the Great of Persia. After the Greeks defeated Xerxes I, Phocaea joined the Delian League, but later rebelled with the rest of Ionia. In 387 B.C., Phocaea returned to Persian control. After Alexander, it fell under Seleucid, then Attalid, and finally Roman rule.SH86213. Electrum Hekte (1/6 Stater), Bodenstedt em. 32, 7 (d/γ); Weber III 5736 (= Bodenstedt 7); Boston MFA 1906, SNG Kayhan -; SNG Cop -, SNGvA -, BMC Ionia -, Rosen -, EF, superb archaic style, well struck, tight flan, weight 2.529 g, maximum diameter 10.1 mm, die axis 0o, Phokaia (Foca, Turkey) mint, c. 521 - 478 B.C.; obverse archaic style head of Athena right, wearing Corinthian helmet, almond shaped eye, slight smile, long hair in rows of dots, dotted necklace, seal upward behind; reverse quadripartite incuse square; SOLD
Phokaia, Ionia, c. 521 - 478 B.C.
Phocaea, or Phokaia, was the northernmost Ionian city, on the boundary with Aeolis. The Phocaeans were the first Greeks to make long sea-voyages, developed a thriving seafaring economy, became a great naval power, and founded the colonies Massalia (Marseille, France), Emporion (Empúries, Spain) and Elea (Velia, Italy). They remained independent until all of mainland Ionia fell to Croesus of Lydia (c. 560-545 B.C.). In 546 B.C., Lydia was conquered by Cyrus the Great of Persia. After the Greeks defeated Xerxes I, Phocaea joined the Delian League, but later rebelled with the rest of Ionia. In 387 B.C., Phocaea returned to Persian control. After Alexander, it fell under Seleucid, then Attalid, and finally Roman rule.SH86214. Electrum Hekte (1/6 Stater), Bodenstedt 31, 3 (b/β); SNGvA 7943 (= Bodenstedt 3); SNG Kayhan 518; BMC Ionia -; SNG Cop -; Boston MFA -, EF, attractive archaic style, minor die wear, tiny edge cracks, seal off flan, weight 2.559 g, maximum diameter 10.7 mm, die axis 0o, Phokaia (Foca, Turkey) mint, c. 521 - 478 B.C.; obverse archaic style head of nymph left, almond eye, slight smile, curly hair as rows of dots, wearing close fitting cap ornamented with a row of dots, rosette earring, seal downward behind; reverse quadripartite incuse square; SOLD
Phokaia, Ionia, c. 521 - 478 B.C.
Phocaea, or Phokaia, was the northernmost Ionian city, on the boundary with Aeolis. The Phocaeans were the first Greeks to make long sea-voyages, developed a thriving seafaring economy, became a great naval power, and founded the colonies Massalia (Marseille, France), Emporion (Empúries, Spain) and Elea (Velia, Italy). They remained independent until all of mainland Ionia fell to Croesus of Lydia (c. 560-545 B.C.). In 546 B.C., Lydia was conquered by Cyrus the Great of Persia. After the Greeks defeated Xerxes I, Phocaea joined the Delian League, but later rebelled with the rest of Ionia. In 387 B.C., Phocaea returned to Persian control. After Alexander, it fell under Seleucid, then Attalid, and finally Roman rule.SH86291. Electrum Hekte (1/6 Stater), Bodenstedt 32, 7 (c/γ); Weber III 5736 (= Bodenstedt 7); Boston MFA 1906, SNG Kayhan -; SNG Cop -, SNGvA -, BMC Ionia -, Rosen -, EF, superb archaic style, well struck, tight flan, bumps and scratches (mostly on edge), tiny edge crack, weight 2.566 g, maximum diameter 10.1 mm, Phokaia (Foca, Turkey) mint, c. 521 - 478 B.C.; obverse archaic style head of Athena right, wearing Corinthian helmet, almond shaped eye, slight smile, long hair in rows of dots, dotted necklace, seal upward behind; reverse quadripartite incuse square; SOLD
Ionia, c. 650 - 600 B.C., Plain Globular Type
Mankind's first coin type! Rare and important. This is an example of the very earliest form of coinage; a type-less (blank) electrum globule, weighed to a specific standard, with simple square punches mark on one side (one punch on smaller denominations). Nine similar plain electrum pieces were within the famous "Artemision Find" at Ephesus in 1904, but all were smaller denominations, from 1/8 stater to a 1/96 stater.SH76562. Electrum Hekte (1/6 Stater), SNG Kayhan 674, Weidauer 4, Boston MFA 1750, Rosen -, SNGvA -, SNG Cop -, Traité -, BMC Ionia -, VF, contact marks, weight 2.317 g, maximum diameter 10.1 mm, uncertain Ionian mint, c. 650 - 600 B.C.; obverse plain globular surface; reverse two roughly square incuse punches, one punch damaged on one corner; very rare; SOLD
Ephesos, Ionia, c. 600 - 550 B.C.
This rare type is among the earliest of coins.SL99234. Electrum Trite (1/3 Stater), Karwiese Series II.1, type 1; Rosen 257; SNGvA 1768, NGC F, strike 4/5, surface 4/5 (4935002-006), weight 4.65 g, maximum diameter 11.7 mm, die axis 0o, Ephesos (near Selcuk, Turkey) mint, c. 600 - 550 B.C.; obverse primitive bee; reverse two incuse punches of various sizes; NGC| Lookup; ex Heritage auction 231947 (21 Nov, 2019), lot 63061; rare; SOLD
Ionia, c. 600 - 550 B.C.
The referenced Triton XIV coin is similar, but from different dies, and the only other coin of this type known to Forum.SH84465. Electrum 1/24 stater, Unpublished in references; Classical Numismatic Group, Triton XIV (4 Jan 2011), lot 309 ($1800 plus fees), VF, well centered on a tight flan, edge cracks, weight 0.630 g, maximum diameter 7.1 mm, Ionia, uncertain mint, c. 600 - 550 B.C.; obverse cock standing left; reverse quadripartite incuse square punch; extremely rare; SOLD
Ionia, c. 600 - 550 B.C.
Some numismatists have attributed this type to the Carian Island of Cos, due to the striking similarities to the archaic silver coinage of that island. Although this attribution is possible, most of the numismatic community accepts this type as Ionian in origin.SH57788. Electrum Hekte (1/6 Stater), Unpublished in standard refs but about a dozen known from sales, cf. Rosen 346 - 347 (Anatolia (uncertain city), 1/96 Phocaic stater), gVF, weight 2.757 g, maximum diameter 10.2 mm, uncertain Ionian mint, Phocaic standard; obverse crab; reverse quadripartite incuse; ex N.Y.I.N.C. auction 163, lot 262; well centered, nice strike; very rare; SOLD
Ionia, c. 600 - 550 B.C.
SH84753. Electrum 1/24 stater, Phokaic standard, SNG Kayhan 719, Weidauer -, Rosen -, Traité I -, VF, well centered, die wear, scratches, weight 0.638 g, maximum diameter 6.1 mm, Ionia, uncertain mint, c. 600 - 550 B.C.; obverse boar head left, linear form; reverse incuse irregular roughly square punch; extremely rare; SOLD
Mytilene, Lesbos, c. 521 - 478 B.C.
Mytilene on the southeast edge of Lesbos, opposite the mainland, was founded about 1054 B.C. It was initially confined to a small island just offshore that later was joined to Lesbos, creating a north and south harbor. In the 7th century B.C., Mytilene successfully contested for the leadership of Lesbos with Methymna, on the north side of the island. Mytilene became the center of the island's prosperous eastern hinterland.SH86212. Electrum Hekte (1/6 Stater), Bodenstedt 13 (b/ζ), SNGvA 1685, SNG Cop 301, BMC Lesbos p. 157, 20; HGC 6 938 (S), gVF, well centered, edge cracks, weight 2.579 g, maximum diameter 10.7 mm, die axis 90o, Mytilene mint, c. 521 - 478 B.C.; obverse roaring lion's head right; reverse incuse calf's head right; scarce; SOLD
Mytilene, Lesbos, c. 521 - 478 B.C.
Mytilene on the southeast edge of Lesbos, opposite the mainland, was founded about 1054 B.C. It was initially confined to a small island just offshore that later was joined to Lesbos, creating a north and south harbor. In the 7th century B.C., Mytilene successfully contested for the leadership of Lesbos with Methymna, on the north side of the island. Mytilene became the center of the island's prosperous eastern hinterland.SH87788. Electrum Hekte (1/6 Stater), Bodenstedt 12; BMC Lesbos p. 158, 23, pl. xxi, 24; Weber III 5605; SNG Fitzwilliam 4334; SNGvA 1687 & 7721; SNG Aberdeen 258; HGC 6 937 (R1), Choice gVF, well centered and struck, unusually clear details, a few light marks, flow lines, weight 2.574 g, maximum diameter 10.5 mm, die axis 270o, Mytilene mint, c. 521 - 478 B.C.; obverse roaring lion's head right; reverse incuse calf's head left, rectangular incuse punch behind truncation; ex CNG auction 102 (18 May 2016), lot 417; rare; SOLD
Ionia, c. 650 - 600 B.C., Plain Globular Type
Mankind's first coin type! Rare and important. This is an example of the very earliest form of coinage; a type-less (blank) electrum globule, weighed to a specific standard, with simple square punches mark on one side (one punch on smaller denominations). Nine similar plain electrum pieces were within the famous "Artemision Find" at Ephesus in 1904, but all were smaller denominations, from 1/8 stater to a 1/96 stater.SH99224. Electrum Hekte (1/6 Stater), 1/6 stater, Milesian standard; SNG Kayhan 674, Weidauer 4, Boston MFA 1750, Rosen -, SNGvA -, SNG C, VF, scratches and marks, polished, weight 2.267 g, maximum diameter 8.9 mm, uncertain Ionian mint, c. 650 - 600 B.C.; obverse plain globular surface; reverse two incuse punches, one punch roughly square, the second was made with a punch quite worn from its original square shape; ex CNG auction 443 (1 May 2019), lot 93; very rare; SOLD
Ionia, c. 600 - 550 B.C.
SL110660. Electrum 1/24 stater, Unpublished in references; cf. SNG Kayhan 726 (1/48 stater), Rosen 353 (1/48 stater), NGC Choice VF, strike 2/5, surface 4/5 (6330404-003), weight 0.57 g, maximum diameter c. 5.0 mm, uncertain mint, c. 600 - 550 B.C.; obverse winged scarab or bee; reverse rough incuse square; six similar specimens known to FORVM from auctions, some perhaps from the same dies, some clearly not; NGC| Lookup; extremely rare; SOLD
Ionia, c. 600 - 550 B.C.
In Greek mythology, the Sirens were dangerous creatures, who lured nearby sailors with their enchanting music and voices to shipwreck on the rocky coast of their island. In early Greek art, Sirens were represented as birds with large women's heads, bird feathers, and scaly feet. Later, they were represented as female figures with the legs of birds, with or without wings, playing a variety of musical instruments, especially harps. Later Sirens were sometimes depicted as beautiful women, whose bodies, not only their voices, were seductive.SH84464. Electrum Hemihekte (1/12 Stater), Unpublished in major references; Naville auction VII (1924), Bement Collection, lot 1435; CNG, Triton XI (8 Jan 2008), lot 253, aEF, tight flan, earthen deposits, weight 1.367 g, maximum diameter 8.8 mm, Ionia, uncertain mint, c. 600 - 550 B.C.; obverse siren standing left; reverse incuse square punch; ex Numismatica Ars Classica, auction 92, part 2 (24 May 2016), lot 1476; this type is not published in the major references but many examples are known from auctions; rare; SOLD
Ephesos, Ionia, c. 600 - 550 B.C.
This type is among the earliest of coins. This very rare hekte was struck with the same dies used for a larger denomination (trite; Karwiese Series II.1, Type 2, 8; Rosen 257), leaving the "bee" largely off flan and obscure.SL99235. Electrum Hekte (1/6 Stater), Karwiese Series II.1, type 2, 3; cf. Rosen 257 (trite, 1/3 stater); SNGvA 1768 (trite, 1/3 stater); SNG Kayhan -, NGC F, strike 3/5, surface 4/5 (4935002-085), weight 2.34 g, maximum diameter 9.2 mm, die axis 0o, Ephesos (near Selcuk, Turkey) mint, c. 600 - 550 B.C.; obverse primitive bee; reverse two incuse punches of various sizes; NGC| Lookup; ex Heritage auction 231948 (21 Nov, 2019), lot 64050; very rare; SOLD
Ionia, 650 - 590 B.C., Geometric Type
The geometric type is perhaps the first true coin type that circulated in everyday use, a few earlier types are known but those types are not found in worn circulated condition.SH08859. Electrum Hekte (1/6 Stater), Zhuyuetang 3; Traité pl. 1, 4; Svoronos pl. 16, 8; SNG Kayhan 698; SNG Cop VII uncertain 318; Weidauer -; BMC Ionia - (all same dies?), EF, weight 2.32 g, maximum diameter 9.9 mm, uncertain Ionian mint, c. 625 - 550 B.C.; obverse geometric pattern of an irregular square bisected by crossing lines; reverse geometric incuse rectangular punch of 12 compartments the two largest contain a pellet; very rare; SOLD
Ephesos, Ionia, Phanes, c. 625 - 600 B.C.
Known to be among the oldest coins because a hemihekte from the issue was found in the foundation of the temple of Artemis at Ephesos. Seven different denominations are linked by the stag type, a common weight standard, and reverse die links. The stag is a symbol of Artemis and thus of Ephesus. The two larger denominations bear the name Phanes, who was likely a prominent citizen of Ephesus, perhaps a despot, a magistrate, or a wealthy money-lender.GA59457. Electrum 1/48 stater, SNGvA 778, Zhuyuetang 10, SNG Cop -; Weidauer -, Rosen -, VF, weight 0.211 g, maximum diameter 5.0 mm, Ephesos (near Selcuk, Turkey) mint, obverse head of stag right; reverse irregular pattern within square incuse; probably less than 20 known to exist; very rare; SOLD
Ionia, c. 650 - 600 B.C., Plain Globular Type
Mankind's first coin type! Rare and important. This is an example of the very earliest form of coinage; a type-less (blank) electrum globule, weighed to a specific standard, with a simple square punch mark on one side (two or three punch marks on larger denominations). Nine similar electrum pieces were within the famous "Artemision Find" at Ephesus in 1904.SH77381. Electrum Hemihekte (1/12 Stater), SNG Kayhan 676, SNGvA 7763, Rosen 324, Traité II -, Weidauer -, VF, weight 1.154 g, maximum diameter 7.7 mm, uncertain Ionian mint, period of the Artemision Find, c. 650 - 600 B.C.; obverse plain globular surface; reverse incuse roughly square pyramidal punch; SOLD
Ephesos, Ionia, Phanes, c. 625 - 600 B.C., Ancient Counterfeit Electrum Plate Over Silver
The official coin, of which this is an ancient counterfeit, is known to be among the oldest coins because a hemihekte from the issue was in the famous "Artemision Find" excavated from the foundation of the temple of Artemis at Ephesos. Seven different denominations are linked by the stag type, a common weight standard, and reverse die links. The stag is a symbol of Artemis and thus of Ephesus. The two larger denominations bear the name Phanes, who was likely a prominent citizen of Ephesus, perhaps a despot, a magistrate, or a wealthy money-lender. This coin is undoubtedly one of the very first counterfeit coins. Criminal counterfeiters were evidently a problem from the very beginnings of coinage.SH21112. Fouree electrum plated Hekte (1/6 Stater), cf. Weidauer 35; Traité pl. II, 18; BMC Ionia 4 (official, Ephesos, electrum), VF, electrum over silver, weight 1.645 g, maximum diameter 9.6 mm, unofficial counterfeiter's mint, after c. 625 B.C.; obverse forepart of stag left, head turned right, three pellets before; reverse incuse square with raised lines; SOLD
Phokaia, Ionia, c. 477 - 388 B.C.
Phokaia was the most northerly of the Ionian communities in Anatolia and was the mother city of many colonies in the western Mediterranean area, including Massalia (modern Marseille, France).SH42453. Electrum Hekte (1/6 Stater), SNGvA 7954, gVF, weight 2.537 g, maximum diameter 10.5 mm, Phokaia (Foca, Turkey) mint, c. 477 - 388 B.C.; obverse head of a Aphrodite left, wearing earring, hair in sakkos; reverse quadripartite incuse square; beautiful style; SOLD
Phokaia, Ionia, c. 387 - 326 B.C.
Omphale, queen of Lydia, bought Herakles as a slave after the Delphic Oracle Xenoclea said he must be sold into slavery to purify himself after murdering Iphitus and stealing the Delphic tripod. Omphale forced Herakles to do women's work and wear women's clothing. Meanwhile, as shown on this coin, Omphale wore the Nemean Lion skin and carried his club. After Omphale freed Herakles, she took him as her husband. SH54547. Electrum Hekte (1/6 Stater), Bodenstedt 107; SNG Cop 1029; SNGvA 2133; SNG Fitzwilliam 4565; Boston MFA 1917; BMC Ionia, p. 211, 55, VF, weight 2.513 g, maximum diameter 10.3 mm, Phokaia (Foca, Turkey) mint, c. 330 B.C.; obverse head of Omphale left, wearing earring and Herakles' lion skin, his club at shoulder, seal below; reverse quadripartite mill-sail incuse square; SOLD
Ionia, c. 600 - 550 B.C.
Unpublished in the standard references but several known from auction listings.SH77380. Electrum Hemihekte (1/12 Stater), Lydo-Milesian standard; cf. CNG auction (9 Mar 2016), lot 156 (same dies); Elektron I 9 corr.; Weidauer -; Traité I -; SNG Kayhan -, VF, light marks, weight 1.189 g, maximum diameter 7.2 mm, uncertain Ionian mint, c. 600 - 550 B.C.; obverse crude scarab beetle(?); reverse irregular six-lobed incuse pattern; very rare; SOLD
Mytilene, Lesbos, c. 412 - 378 B.C.
Mytilene was famous in ancient times for its great output of electrum coins struck from the late 6th through mid - 4th centuries B.C. The usual denomination was the hekte (1/6th stater). Warwick Wroth noted in the British Museum Catalog, "The Sixths of [this Lesbos electrum series] form one of the most beautiful coin-series of the ancient world. This will be evident from a glance."SH95224. Electrum Hekte (1/6 Stater), Bodenstedt 79, SNGvA 1731, BMC Troas 62; Pozzi 2324, Traité II 2183, HGC 6 1005, VF, fine style, toned, scuff on cheek, marks, weight 2.551 g, maximum diameter 11.0 mm, die axis 180o, Mytilene mint, c. 412 - 378 B.C.; obverse female (muse?) head right, hair in sakkos, wearing a pendant earring and necklace; reverse Kithara with seven strings in linear square, within incuse square; ex Forum (2016), ex Frank L. Kovacs; SOLD
Ionia, c. 650 - 600 B.C., Plain Globular Type
Mankind's first coin type! Rare and important. This is an example of the very earliest form of coinage; a type-less (blank) electrum globule, weighed to a specific standard, with a simple square punch mark on one side (two or three punch marks on larger denominations). Nine similar electrum pieces were within the famous "Artemision Find" at Ephesus in 1904.SH75302. Electrum 1/24 stater, Karwiese Artemision type I.1, SNG Kayhan 678, Weidauer -, Rosen -, SNGvA -, SNG Cop -, Traité I -; Lydo-Milesian standard, VF, weight 0.577 g, maximum diameter 6.3 mm, uncertain Ionian mint, c. 650 - 600 B.C.; obverse plain globular surface; reverse incuse punch: roughly square, punch apparently damaged on one corner; ; rare; SOLD
Mytilene, Lesbos, c. 521 - 478 B.C.
Mytilene on the southeast edge of Lesbos, opposite the mainland, was founded about 1054 B.C. It was initially confined to a small island just offshore that later was joined to Lesbos, creating a north and south harbor. In the 7th century B.C., Mytilene successfully contested for the leadership of Lesbos with Methymna, on the north side of the island. Mytilene became the center of the island's prosperous eastern hinterland.SH86205. Electrum Hekte (1/6 Stater), Bodenstedt 13, SNGvA 1685, SNG Cop 301, HGC 6 938, Choice EF, well centered and struck, fine style, edge cracks, weight 2.577 g, maximum diameter 10.6 mm, die axis 30o, Mytilene mint, c. 521 - 478 B.C.; obverse roaring lion's head right; reverse incuse calf's head left; SOLD
Kyzikos, Mysia, c. 500 - 450 B.C.
Cyzicus was one of the great cities of the ancient world. It was said to have been founded by Pelasgians from Thessaly, according to tradition at the coming of the Argonauts; later, allegedly in 756 B.C., it received many colonists from Miletus. Owing to its advantageous position it speedily acquired commercial importance, and the gold staters of Cyzicus were a staple currency in the ancient world till they were superseded by those of Philip of Macedon. The site of Cyzicus, located on the Erdek and Bandirma roads, is protected by Turkey's Ministry of Culture.SL89446. Electrum Hekte (1/6 Stater), SNG BnF 241; SNGvA 1180; BMC Mysia p. 32, 98; Von Fritze I 102; Rosen 482; de Luynes pl. XCII 2460; SNG Cop -, NGC XF, strike 3/5, surface 3/5 (2490378-004), weight 2.674 g, maximum diameter 11.4 mm, Kyzikos (Kapu Dagh, Turkey) mint, c. 500 - 450 B.C.; obverse satyr left, tunny fish vertical with head down to left; reverse quadripartite incuse square; NGC| Lookup; extremely rare; SOLD
Ionia, c. 650 - 600 B.C., Plain Globular Type
Mankind's first coin type! Rare and important. This is an example of the very earliest form of coinage; a type-less (blank) electrum globule, weighed to a specific standard, with a simple square punch mark on one side (two or three punch marks on larger denominations). Nine similar electrum pieces were within the famous "Artemision Find" at Ephesus in 1904.SH97740. Electrum Hemihekte (1/12 Stater), cf. SNG Kayhan 676, SNGvA 7763, Rosen 324, Traité II -, Weidauer -, EF, light marks, small edge split, punch wear, weight 1.233 g, maximum diameter 7.6 mm, uncertain Ionian mint, period of the Artemision Find, c. 650 - 600 B.C.; obverse plain globular surface; reverse incuse roughly square pyramidal punch; ex CNG e-auction 481 (25 Nov 2020), lot 106; ex Harlan J. Berk sale 130 (17 Dec 2002), lot 19; SOLD
Ionia, c. 600 - 550 B.C., Scarab Type
Electrum is an alloy of gold and silver, both naturally occurring and man-made. The earliest Greek reference to electrum is in Sophocles' tragedy Antigone where Indian gold and electrum from Sardis are identified as objects of the highest value. This electrum was almost certainly the native alloy found in rivers in Asia Minor, particularly the river Pactolus. Pliny states that electrum contains a fifth part silver (80% gold).SH99220. Electrum Hekte (1/6 Stater), Apparently unpublished denomination for this type; cf. SNG Kayhan 673 (trite); SNGvA 7762 (trite); Weidauer -; Traité -, VF, light scratches and marks, weight 2.305 g, maximum diameter 10.4 mm, die axis 0o, uncertain Ionian mint, c. 650 - 600 B.C.; obverse carapace of scarab beetle; reverse two square incuse punches with striations; ex Roma Numismatics e-sale 59 (11 Jul 2019), lot 224; from a private Swiss collection; four other specimens of this hekte type are known to FORVM from sales listings and auctions; extremely rare as hekte; SOLD
Ionia, c. 650 - 600 B.C., Plain Globular Type
Mankind's first coin type! Rare and important. This is an example of the very earliest form of coinage; a type-less (blank) electrum globule, weighed to a specific standard, with a simple square punch mark on one side (two or three punch marks on larger denominations). Nine similar electrum pieces were within the famous "Artemision Find" at Ephesus in 1904. This is an example of the very earliest form of coinage; a type-less (blank) electrum globule, weighed to a specific standard, with a simple square punch mark on one side (two or three punch marks on larger denominations). Nine similar electrum pieces were within the famous "Artemision Find" at Ephesus in 1904.SH90669. Electrum 1/24 stater, Karwiese Artemision type I.1, SNG Kayhan 678, Weidauer -, Rosen -, SNGvA -, SNG Cop -, Traité I -; Lydo-Milesian standard, VF, weight 0.571 g, maximum diameter 5.5 mm, uncertain Ionian mint, c. 650 - 600 B.C.; obverse plain globular surface; reverse incuse punch: roughly square pyramid with striated sides; rare; SOLD
Ionia, c. 630 - 600 B.C., Swastika Pattern Type
From among the very earliest coins.SH42151. Electrum 1/24 stater, Phokaic standard Myshemihekte; SNG Kayhan 702, Rosen 365, Traité I 234, Elektron I 45, Boston MFA 1782 var. (clockwise swastika), Weidauer -, EF, weight 0.667 g, maximum diameter 7.16 mm, uncertain mint, c. 630 - 600 B.C.; obverse raised counterclockwise swastika or square mill-sail pattern; reverse incuse of the same counterclockwise swastika or square mill-sail pattern; rare this nice; SOLD
Ionia, c. 600 - 550 B.C.
As reported by B.V. Head in Chapter 5 of Excavations at Ephesus: The Archaic Artemisia, a coin of this type was one of five coins found in excavations underneath the foundations of the southern wall of the B cella of the Artemisia at Ephesus. The other four coins were lion head and lion paw types. Head wrote these coins must have been deposited during construction of the First Temple (A). Weidauer 145 is the coin found at the Artemisia (= Head Artemisia 79), now at the Arkeoloji Müzesi, Istanbul. The Weidauer coins appear to be struck with the same obverse die.SH84450. Electrum 1/24 stater, Milesian standard; Weidauer 145 - 146; Head Artemisia p. 86 and pl. 2, 79; cf. SNGvA 1781 (different style); Rosen 287 (same); SNG Kayhan 717 (same), gVF, centered, edge cracks, some die rust (also found on other examples of this type), weight 0.579 g, maximum diameter 6.2 mm, uncertain Ionian mint, c. 600 - 550 B.C.; obverse bridled head and neck of Pegasos left, with top edge of wing visible; reverse four raised squares in a cross pattern within incuse square punch; very rare; SOLD
Ephesos, Ionia, Phanes, c. 625 - 600 B.C.,
Known to be among the oldest coins because a hemihekte from the issue was in the famous "Artemision Find" in the foundation of the temple of Artemis at Ephesos in 1904. Seven different denominations are linked by the stag type, a common weight standard, and reverse die links. The stag is a symbol of Artemis and thus of Ephesus. The two larger denominations bear the name Phanes, who was likely a prominent citizen of Ephesus, perhaps a despot, a magistrate, or a wealthy money-lender.SH90358. Electrum 1/24 stater, SNGvA 7773, BMC Ionia -; Rosen -; Traité -; Weidauer - (cf. 36-37, 1/12 stater), VF, scratches, weight 0.571 g, maximum diameter 6.9 mm, die axis 180o, Ephesos (near Selcuk, Turkey) mint, Phanes, c. 625 - 600 B.C.; obverse forepart of stag right, head turned left; reverse incuse square with raised lines; rare; SOLD
Ionia, c. 600 - 550 B.C.
Unpublished in the standard references but we have handled a few and more are known from auction listings.SH82715. Electrum Hemihekte (1/12 Stater), Lydo-Milesian standard; cf. CNG auction (9 Mar 2016), lot 156; Elektron I 9; Weidauer -; Traité I -; SNG Kayhan -; Rosen -; Boston MFA -, VF, irregular flan, scratches, weight 1.151 g, maximum diameter 8.0 mm, uncertain Ionian mint, c. 600 - 550 B.C.; obverse crude scarab beetle(?); reverse incuse punch; very rare; SOLD
Ionia, c. 625 - 590 B.C., Geometric Type
This geometric type is perhaps the first true coin type that circulated in everyday use. A few earlier types are known but those types are not found in worn circulated condition.SH76563. Electrum 1/48 stater, Zhuyuetang 6 (same dies), SNG Kayhan 701, cf. Rosen 279 (1/24th), Weidauer -, SNG Cop -, BMC Ionia -, EF, weight 0.296 g, maximum diameter 5.1 mm, uncertain Ionian mint, c. 625 - 550 B.C.; obverse abstract geometric pattern of a central bisecting line and striation lines within each half; reverse geometric punch with six compartments; extremely rare; SOLD
Ionia, c. 650 - 600 B.C., Plain Globular Type
Mankind's first coin type! Rare and important. This is an example of the very earliest form of coinage; a type-less (blank) electrum globule, weighed to a specific standard, with a simple square punch mark on one side (two or three punch marks on larger denominations). Nine similar electrum pieces were within the famous "Artemision Find" at Ephesus in 1904.SH77395. Electrum 1/24 stater, Karwiese Artemision type I.1, SNG Kayhan 678, Weidauer -, Rosen -, SNGvA -, SNG Cop -, Traité I -; Lydo-Milesian standard, VF, weight 0.586 g, maximum diameter 5.4 mm, uncertain Ionian mint, c. 650 - 600 B.C.; obverse plain globular surface; reverse incuse punch: roughly square pyramid with striated sides; rare; SOLD
Lydian Kingdom, Uncertain King Before Kroisos, c. 610 - 561 B.C.
According to Herodotus, the Lydians were the first people to use gold and silver coins and the first to establish retail shops in permanent locations. It is not known, however, whether Herodotus meant that the Lydians were the first to use coins of pure gold and pure silver or the first precious metal coins in general. Despite this ambiguity, this statement of Herodotus is one of the pieces of evidence most often cited on behalf of the argument that Lydians invented coinage, at least in the West, even though the first coins were neither gold nor silver but an alloy of the two called electrum.SH85438. Electrum Hemihekte (1/12 Stater), Weidauer Series XVI 90, SNG Kayhan 1015, SNGvA 2871, Rosen 654, Boston MFA 1770, VF, well centered, scratches, earthen deposits, small edge crack, weight 1.164 g, maximum diameter 7.2 mm, Sardes (Sart, Turkey) mint, c. 610 - 546 B.C.; obverse head of roaring lion right, knob on forehead; reverse square incuse punch; SOLD
Ionia, c. 650 - 600 B.C., Plain Globular Type
Mankind's first coin type! Rare and important. This is an example of the very earliest form of coinage; a type-less (blank) electrum globule, weighed to a specific standard, with a simple square punch mark on one side (two or three punch marks on larger denominations). Nine similar electrum pieces were within the famous "Artemision Find" at Ephesus in 1904.SH85576. Electrum 1/24 stater, Karwiese Artemision type I.1, SNG Kayhan 678, Weidauer -, Rosen -, SNGvA -, SNG Cop -, Traité I -; Lydo-Milesian standard, VF, weight 0.583 g, maximum diameter 5.9 mm, die axis 0o, uncertain Ionian mint, c. 650 - 600 B.C.; obverse plain globular surface; reverse incuse punch irregular pyramid with striated sides; rare; SOLD
Ephesos, Ionia, Phanes, c. 625 - 600 B.C., Ancient Counterfeit Electrum Plate Over Silver
The official coin, of which this is an ancient counterfeit, is known to be among the oldest coins because a hemihekte from the issue was in the famous "Artemision Find" excavated from the foundation of the temple of Artemis at Ephesos. Seven different denominations are linked by the stag type, a common weight standard, and reverse die links. The stag is a symbol of Artemis and thus of Ephesus. The two larger denominations bear the name Phanes, who was likely a prominent citizen of Ephesus, perhaps a despot, a magistrate, or a wealthy money-lender. This coin is undoubtedly one of the very first counterfeit coins. Criminal counterfeiters were evidently a problem from the very beginnings of coinage.SL112770. Fouree electrum plated 1/24 stater, Weidauer - , BMC - ; cf. SNG VA 7773 (not plated), NGC VF (6827718-002), weight 0.435 g, maximum diameter 6.2 mm, unofficial counterfeiter's mint, after c. 625 B.C.; obverse forepart of stag right, head turned left, three pellets before; reverse incuse square with raised lines; photo taken before certification, NGC| Lookup; SOLD
Ionia, c. 650 - 600 B.C., Plain Globular Type
Mankind's first coin type! Rare and important. This is an example of the very earliest form of coinage; a type-less (blank) electrum globule, weighed to a specific standard, with a simple square punch mark on one side (two or three punch marks on larger denominations). Nine similar electrum pieces were within the famous "Artemision Find" at Ephesus in 1904.SH85575. Electrum Hemihekte (1/12 Stater), SNG Kayhan 676, SNGvA 7763, Rosen 324, Traité II -, Weidauer -, VF, very worn punch, weight 1.122 g, maximum diameter 7.4 mm, die axis 0o, uncertain Ionian mint, period of the Artemision Find, c. 650 - 600 B.C.; obverse plain flattened globular surface; reverse incuse roughly square pyramidal punch; SOLD
Kyzikos, Mysia, 600 - 550 B.C.
Kyzikos was founded around 675 by Milesian colonists on the south coast of the Propontis (now Marmara Sea), halfway between the Dardanelles and the Bosporus. The location was ideal for tuna fishing. Schools of tuna passed every spring to enter the Marmara Sea to spawn; schools passed in the fall going back to the Mediterranean. In the archaic period, the tuna catch was the main source of income for the city. In the 5th and 4th centuries, Kyzikos had an important role in trade between the Black Sea and Greece, especially in grain trade from the southern Russian region, which supplied the growing needs of Athens.SH89445. Electrum Hemihekte (1/12 Stater), Hurter-Liewald III 5.2; SNGvA 7255 (fish above off flan); cf. BMC Mysia p. 18, 2 (hekte); SNG Cop -; SNG BnF -, gVF, well centered and struck, scratches, light earthen deposits, many small edge cracks, weight 1.299 g, maximum diameter 8.7 mm, Kyzikos (Kapu Dagh, Turkey) mint, 600 - 550 B.C.; obverse head of tuna fish left, two pellets right, smaller tuna fish right above; reverse irregular quadripartite incuse square; extremely rare; SOLD
Ionia, c. 650 - 600 B.C., Plain Globular Type
Mankind's first coin type! Rare and important. This is an example of the very earliest form of coinage; a type-less (blank) electrum globule, weighed to a specific standard, with a simple square punch mark on one side (two or three punch marks on larger denominations). Nine similar electrum pieces were within the famous "Artemision Find" at Ephesus in 1904.SH89746. Electrum Hemihekte (1/12 Stater), SNG Kayhan 676, SNGvA 7763, Rosen 324, Traité II -, Weidauer -, VF, bumps and marks, closed edge cracks, weight 1.167 g, maximum diameter 7.7 mm, uncertain Ionian mint, period of the Artemision Find, c. 650 - 600 B.C.; obverse plain globular surface; reverse incuse roughly square pyramidal punch; SOLD
Ionia, c. 650 - 600 B.C., Plain Globular Type
Mankind's first coin type! Rare and important. This is an example of the very earliest form of coinage; a type-less (blank) electrum globule, weighed to a specific standard, with a simple square punch mark on one side (two or three punch marks on larger denominations). Nine similar electrum pieces were within the famous "Artemision Find" at Ephesus in 1904.SH99222. Electrum Hemihekte (1/12 Stater), SNG Kayhan 676, SNGvA 7763, Rosen 324, Traité II -, Weidauer -, VF, bumps, marks, weight 1.091 g, maximum diameter 7.2 mm, die axis 0o, uncertain Ionian mint, period of the Artemision Find, c. 650 - 600 B.C.; obverse plain globular surface; reverse incuse roughly square punch; SOLD
Ionia, c. 650 - 600 B.C., Plain Globular Type
Rare and important. This is an example of the very earliest form of coinage; a type-less (blank) electrum globule, weighed to a specific standard, with a simple square punch mark on one side (two or three punch marks on larger denominations).SH87337. Electrum Hemihekte (1/12 Stater), SNG Kayhan 676, SNGvA 7763, Rosen 324, Traité -, Weidauer -, VF, bumps and scratches, weight 1.237 g, maximum diameter 7.4 mm, uncertain Ionian mint, period of the Artemision Find, c. 650 - 600 B.C.; obverse plain globular surface; reverse incuse roughly square pyramidal punch; SOLD
Ionia, c. 650 - 600 B.C., Plain Globular Type
Mankind's first coin type! Rare and important. This is an example of the very earliest form of coinage; a type-less (blank) electrum globule, weighed to a specific standard, with a simple square punch mark on one side (two or three punch marks on larger denominations). Nine similar electrum pieces were within the famous "Artemision Find" at Ephesus in 1904.SH95300. Electrum 1/24 stater, Karwiese Artemision type I.1, SNG Kayhan 678, Weidauer -, Rosen -, SNGvA -, SNG Cop -, Traité I -; Lydo-Milesian standard, VF, weight 0.602 g, maximum diameter 5.0 mm, uncertain Ionian mint, c. 650 - 600 B.C.; obverse plain globular surface; reverse incuse punch: roughly square pyramid with striated sides; ex Roma e-sale 67 (6 Feb 2020), lot 312 (listed as from the inventory of a Swiss dealer).; rare; SOLD
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