Kings of Lydia: Kroisos (c. 564/53-550/39 BC), AR 1/12 Stater, Sardes, Berk 26-7, Traité I 413

Kings of Lydia: Kroisos (c. 564/53-550/39 BC), AR 1/12 Stater, Sardes, Berk 26-7, Traité I 413, SNG Kayhan I 1020-1 (0.84 g, 8 mm)

Obverse: Confronted foreparts of lion and bull
Reverse: Incuse square punch

 

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Nice coin. Good detail for such a small fraction. And I like the granulation.
A new purchase? If so, congratulations!

Here's its bigger brother, a worn siglos.
(It just may be an early Achaemenid version. It's generally believed that they continued striking these for a few years under Persian rule after they had conquered Lydia. There are stylistic differences between them, but, given the wear on mine, I'm not sure which one it is. Either way, it's a Croesoid.).



It's an early buy. I still remember being amazed and overjoyed when I discovered that such a historical coin (first ever silver struck!) of such an almost mythical ruler could be bought. And at a price most of us can afford! (and I had a bit of good fortune in the auction). It's still one of my favourite coins.
And a bit of wear is only becoming on a coin this old, I think.