My first non-Roman ancient coin

I was looking around on Vcoins which can be a mistake and came across this coin. I have no Greek references or knowledge but wanted a couple of inexpensive but interesting coins to start on the winding path and this one fit the bill. I paid $90 for it. Worth it in my opinion.

IONIA. MILETOS 1/12 STATER / LION


Attribution: SNG Dewing 2288
Date: Late 6th Century BC
Obverse: Head and forepaw of roaring lion left
Reverse: Stellate pattern in incuse square
Size: 10.32 mm
Weight: 1.23 grams
Description: VF

 

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that's a nice one! good choice!

 

Nice!

 

Now starts another obsession. Lol

 

i've had this thracian chersonesus hemidrachm for years and just figured out how it's supposed to look. i knew it was a miss strike when i got it, but the lions head is almost totally missing, only showing the lower part with the body and front legs. ca. 390-337bc

 

Congrats on the great coins, fellas

alde, I happen to have an example as well ... I love this coin-type (very cool)

 

Great lizard

 

More great coins. Can you guys suggest a good basic reference just to get the ball rolling? It will probably be a snowball that keeps growing.

 

lol, fanks. @ least he's all on the coin><

 

forvms is good. david sear is another real good one.

 

I just ordered volumes 1 and 2 of Greek Coins and thier Value. That should get me started.

 

Nice coin, with good detail, great pick up.

 

VERY NICE!!

 

That's a great OP example @alde. I don't have one of these, but I always aim to get one some day. Congrats.

 

That's a really lovely one... both the obverse and reverse designs are especially artistic.

Here's mine, and my historical notes:


Miletos was one of the greatest of the early Greek city states. In the 6th century BC, it was also the site of the origin of Greek philosophy, in the form of the Milesian School (most notably Thales, Anaximander, and Anaximenes). These philosophers rejected supernatural and mythological explanations of phenomena in favour of natural explanations. As such, they are often thought of as the originators of modern science. Thales also produced the first deductive mathematics.

In 499 B.C., Miletos spearheaded the Ionian revolt against the Persians, the event that triggered the Greco-Persian wars. In 494 B.C., Miletos was beseiged by the Persians, and its population enslaved. The Greeks, under the leadership of Athens and Sparta, ultimately triumphed, freeing Miletos from Persian domination.

 

NICE! Gorgeous coin. The lion and the reverse are really cool designs. Some of my earlier captures were these little devils... pretty cool coin.

My lion is just looking the other way...



Iona-Miletos AR Obol Late 6th C fine lion

 

I have a couple from Chersonesos also... pretty cool!


Chersonesos AR Hemi-Drachm - TriObol Lion X-dot amphora Seaby-Sear Vol I 1606


THRACE Chersonesos Æ10 1.0g 386-309 BCE Roaring lion head - Star of five rays SNG BM Black Sea 726 SNG Stancomb 463

 

Nice man. Now get yourself a non-classical culture ancient coin!

 

Nice coins everyone. You all have sent me down the path to the poor house.

It still amazes me that we can buy and hold a 2500 year old artifact that was used on a daily basis. This hobby is so rewarding.

 

Definitely worth it, here is mine example