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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;iamtiberius, post: 2212803, member: 37707&quot;]Electrum is defined as having at least 20% gold and 20% silver (weight) present. The electrum coinage of Mytilene minted between 477-326 BC, had an average gold content of 42% with a +/- 14% variable in specimens examined. Cited from German Numistatist, Friedrich Bodenstedt&#039;s study. In which he analyzed the metallic content of over 50 electrum coins minted in that era. (see chart below. group 2-9 represents coins minted from 477-326 BC.)</p><p>[ATTACH=full]432445[/ATTACH]</p><p>The coins I have acquired fall within groups 2-5 (Winged lion, minted between 412-378 BC. ) and groups 6-9, (3/4 facing Athena, minted between 377-326 BC.) The latter showing tighter percentage groups.</p><p><br /></p><p>As you can see from the coins below, there is an obvious difference in metal color; but according to the study, the percentage of gold would nearly be the same. Outside of numismatics (and maybe this study. ) one would assume the 3/4 facing Athena would have a much higher gold content due to a deeper gold color, ergo the Winged lion having less of a gold content and maybe more silver due to lighter saturation. Although this would have some effect on color; the main is due to presence of copper.</p><p><br /></p><p>Bodenstedt states the main reason for inconsistencies in color amongst examples with fairly close gold and silver content is the amount of copper present. Copper, iron, bismuth, palladium and (very rarely) platinum occur naturally in electrum. Copper has more effect on color than any other metal present due to its natural darkness and the way it chemically alloys with other metals (chemistry that is beyond my knowledge.) It should be safe to assume that my 3/4 facing Athena would have a slightly larger copper content; maybe in the range of 2-5%.</p><p><br /></p><p>Amazing what a little metal is capable of. In any metallic event, it still amazes me what the engravers could with a 12 mm flan. Without the presence of die rust on the Winged lion, the lines would be incredible.</p><p><br /></p><p>[ATTACH=full]432448[/ATTACH]</p><p><br /></p><p>412-378 BC, Hecte, Bodenstedt-63. Forepart of winged lion left / Sphinx seated right, in linear square.</p><p>2.57g</p><p>11.3mm</p><p><br /></p><p>[ATTACH=full]432455[/ATTACH] </p><p><br /></p><p>377-326 BC, Hecte, Bodenstedt-86. Head of Athena facing, wearing triple-crested Attic helmet /Draped bust of Hermes right, his petasos hanging behind his neck, in linear square.</p><p>2.50g</p><p>11.9mm</p><p><br /></p><p>The symbolism on all devices are apparent aside from the winged lion; but, if biblical creatures from the book of Daniel and Revelations lend any credence... Maybe a winged lion represents the speed at which they inflict destruction?</p><p>Post &#039;em.</p><p><br /></p><p>-Michael[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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