Ancient Greek, Ionia Phokaia Nymph, Electrum Hekte, 387-326 BC

Description

Denomination: Electrum hekte (sixth of a stater in natural alloy of gold and silver)

Period: Ancient Greek

Date: 387-326 BC

Origin: Ancient Ionian mint

Condition: Very fine

Obverse: Head of young river nymph. left. hair bound with a taenia

Reverse: Quadripartite incuse square

Size and Weight: 10mm. 2.52g

References: Bodenstedt 110. SNG Von Aulock 2130 var

Features and Provenance: Ex TimeLine auctions

Phokaia or Phocaea (present day Foca in Turkey) was at the mouth of the River Hermus in Ionia. It came under the control of Lydia and so was influenced by King Croesus who was supposedly the first Greek to issue coinage in a familiar form in about 500 BC. Following Lydia’s initiative. the Phocians where amongst the first to make use of money in the form of a nugget-like coin made of electrum. a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver. Our coin may not be the oldest example. but it is very close. and therefore an extremely important piece of history and as such is avidly sought by collectors.

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades between

Uncirculated (U). As struck with no traces of wear

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear. all parts of legend etc present. visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief. all parts of legend etc present. but maybe worn

Fine (F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible