Lot 40
Lydia, Kings of. Croesus, 561-546 BC. Gold Stater (8.05 g), Sardis mint, c. 550-546 BC. Light Stater Series. Foreparts of confronted lion, at left, and bull, at right. Reverse: Two incuse squares of unequal size. BMC 31-34; Traité I 401-403; BMFA 2073; SNG von Aulock 2875. Of remarkably elegant style, well centered, with virtually complete devices. NGC graded About Uncirculated.
Among the most historic of names and coins, the phrase "Rich as Croesus" still has some currency even today. The last of the Mermnad dynasty, Croesus enlarged his kingdom by subjugating the surrounding Greek cities of Asia Minor. At the pinnacle of his wealth and power, he decided to act on an ambiguous oracle by attacking the new and virile Persian Empire. The result was that the Persian king, Cyrus, quickly sacked Croesus' capital, Sardis, in 546 BC. The Lydian empire was just as quickly extinguished. The suddenness of his fall obviously impressed the Greeks to the extant that the name of Croesus became a catchphrase not only for unrivalled wealth, but also unmitigated hubris.
Estimated Value $4,000 - 5,000.
Illustrated in Money of the World, coin 1.
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| Realized $19,550 |
