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CARIA or LYCIA, Uncertain coastal mint. Circa 525/0 BC. AR Stater (18mm, 11.44 g). Sea turtle, seen from above with head in profile, with row of dots down its back / Two quadripartite squares of unequal size. J.-A. Chevillon & R. Fournials, “Asie Mineure de Sud-Ouest: un statère inédit à la tortue avec un double carré creux” in NK 30 (2012), fig. 1 (same obv. die); otherwise, unpublished. Traces of find patina, granular surfaces, cleaning scratches. VF. Well centered and complete. Extremely rare, the second known.
This intriguing archaic stater has traditionally been viewed as part of a group of early silver issues struck with similar incuses, featuring two squares of significantly different size. The majority of these issues were struck on the Aeginetan standard, which Kraay (in ACGC) thought had been adopted through trade between Aegina and communities along the Carian coast and nearby islands. It was believed that the Aeginetan traders introduced silver coinage to this region, which supports the suggestion that these issues were among the first silver coins produced there. Initially, some issues appeared to have been struck on a lower weight standard, such as that of the female-head type, but more recent research by Chevillon & Fournials led to the conclusion that this was not the case; all of the issues appear to have been struck on the Aeginetic standard. However, they think that the types, and the unusual incuse type, point to a Lycian, rather than Carian origin. It appears the question of the location of the mint shall remain open pending future coin finds, but it is unquestionable that these coins are among the earliest silver issues struck in southern Asia Minor.
The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 129 lots will be determined during the live online sale that will be held on 13-14 May 2025. This lot is in Session One, which will begin 13 May at 9 AM ET.
Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.
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