I have been playing around with my new USB microscope, with decidedly mixed results, photographing some very tiny Greek bronzes. There are 4 coins that I haven't yet positively IDed, so I'm going to ask for help in 4 different posts. Here's the first: I think this might Milne 78B, an AE chalkous from Kolophon in Ionia, and I think that might be an astragalos to the left of the lyre on the reverse. Obv: Head of Apollo, wearing taenia Rev: Lyre within square, astragalos to left. 12mm, 1.5g Any thoughts?
I always have trouble with these Kithara bronzes unless legends are very clear, as the issues from Troas, Hamaxitos and elsewhere can look pretty similar: https://www.wildwinds.com/coins/greece/troas/hamaxitos/t.html
I agree. In fact, I had originally thought this was from Hamaxitos. What made me change my mind was what looks like an astragalos to the left of the kithara: But it may not be possible to give this a positive id without a legend. Thanks for writing.
While the coin has some little "pimples" of corrosion that should be left alone, from what I can see the reverse is still a bit dirty and would certainly benefit from a careful cleaning which might reveal enough to make a more conclusive call. Sure does look like an astragalos but I'd try cleaning to see if it might be mushed text.