★ An exceptional ketos stater from an uncertain dynast ★
DYNASTS OF LYCIA. Uncertain dynast, circa 480 BC. Stater (Silver, 24 mm, 9.38 g, 7 h). Ketos to left on raised round shield. Rev. Ketos to left within dotted square within incuse square. Müseler II, 25 ( same dies ) and 26 note ( this coin cited ). Rosen 708 ( same dies ). Extremely rare and in exceptional condition for the issue. Beautifully toned, sharply struck and very attractive. A few minor die breaks and with a small test cut on the reverse, otherwise, about extremely fine.
From the Kleinkunst Collection, ex Leu 57, 25 May 1993, 117 and Hess-Leu 49, 27 April 1971, 233.
Similar Ketoi appear on the electrum coinage of Kyzikos (Von Fritze I, 52) and on silver coins from Halikarnassos (Roma E-Sale 35 (2017), 279, misattributed to Kindya). Given the role of the Kyzikean electrum series as a leading international trade currency, it is likely that the motive originated from the Kyzikean stater and was subsequently copied in Caria and Lycia.
Price realized | 17'000 CHF |
Starting price | 4'000 CHF |
Estimate | 5'000 CHF |