IONIA. Uncertain mint. Ca. 600-550 BC. EL stater (19mm, 14.06 gm.) NGC VF 5/5 - 3/5. Milesian standard, Figural Type. Forepart of roaring lion right, mane bristling / Thin rectangular incuse between two square incuses, one smaller than the other; all with irregular interior surfaces in the forms of uncertain geometric patterns. Kraay-Hirmer (Miletus), -. SNG Kayhan -. Rosen -. Linzalone -. Attractive and intriguing early issue. No examples in sales archives and apparently unpublished. The obverse style of the feline immediately brings to mind Carian issues. The thick, powerful shoulder and foreleg are reminiscent of animal figural types from that area. Also note the terminus, although not on the flan, appears to be rounded as opposed to straight and beaded. The object on the muzzle could be either a "nodule" as on some contemporary Lydian issues, or the beast's left eye shown with the head tilted slightly for perspective. The reverse is immediately recognizable in form similar to the Ephesian issues of Phanes and the Asia Minor-Uncertain stater Rosen 245. A very interesting type worthy of extensive study.

HID09801242017

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