Nomos AG, 64
DYNASTS of LYCIA. Kherei. Circa 440/30-410 BC. AR Stater (17mm, 8.51 g, 6h). Telmessos mint. Helmeted head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with four olive leaves and spiral ornament; symbol behind / Bearded head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress; around, "KHEREI TELEBEHE" in Lycian script; all within incuse square. Mørkholm & Zahle II 52; Falghera -; SNG Copenhagen Suppl. 451 var. (orientation of obv. symbol); SNG von Aulock 4189 var. (same); BMC -; Traité -. Choice EF, toned, struck with slightly worn obverse die as usual. Exceptional for issue.
This wonderful stater features Athena on the obverse, which is undoubtedly a reflection of that on the eponymous contemporary Athenian tetradrachms. The reason the type was adopted in Lycia is uncertain, but it is present on coins of Kheriga, Kherei, and Erbbina. The head of Herakles, present on coins of Kherei and Erbbina, is thought to have been the civic badge of Telmessos.
