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IONIA or LYDIA, Uncertain. Circa 640-620 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (10.5mm, 2.34 g). Lydo-Milesian standard. Confronted boars’ heads (only the right side visible), [uncertain Lydian inscription between] / Two incuse squares. Hilbert, Bermerkungen 4 (A4l/P4-P5); Spier p. 332, 4; Artemision 100; Weidauer Group XIII, 56 var. (left side visible). Irregular flan, minor marks. VF. Extremely rare.
This rare issue was originally attributed to Lydia by Spier. A more recent reevaluation of the series, which included a die study, linked the reverse punches not only to issues from Miletos, but also the lion-paw fractions that have been attributed to the Mermnad kings of Lydia. Hilbert suggests that the coins were struck from a mint in Ionia that had close relations with Lydia, possibly Ephesos, where a boar plays a role in that city’s foundation myth. An examination by Diether Schürr of the inscription on all the known boar dies reveals two partial Lydian names, [...]wet[...] and [...]etalį. It is possible that the full resolution could be Walwetalįm, which could tie the issue to one of the Alyattes whose name appears on the lion issues at Sardes.
The final winners of all Triton XXIX lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 13-14 January 2026.
Triton XXIX – Session One – Lot 1-301 will be held Tuesday morning, 13 January 2026 beginning at 9:00 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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