Lot 3127
Kings of Lydia. Kroisos, c. 561-546 BC. Gold Stater (Light Series; 8.0 g). Confronted foreparts of lion and bull. Reverse: Two square incuses of differing sizes. SNG von Aulock 2875. Dewing 2431; BMC 31. Rare and always in demand as one of the earliest gold coins. About Very Fine.
The great Lydian king Kroisos replaced the previous electrum coinage of Alyattes with a series of pure gold and silver coins. After the heavy series, the light series was inauguated with a gold stater equal in value to ten new silver staters. At this time, then a true bimetallic currency was established with direct, whole-number interrelationships between silver, electrum and gold.
Estimated Value $4,000 - 5,000.
Ex Bowers & Ruddy Galleries, Dr. Richard P. Ariagno Coll. Part 2, June 9-11, 1980 lot 171.
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| Realized $5,520 |
