Lycia (?), uncertain dynast AR diobol c. 500 BC Forepart of lion left/winged boar walking left VF

Lycia (?), uncertain dynast, AR diobol, circa 5th century BC, forepart of lion left, in an incuse square/winged boar walking left. 1.44 g.

The attribution to Lycia is by no means certain, but seems less problematic than the other options. Perhaps it could be Thraco-Macedonian - but the style is atypical. Kyzikos struck coins with these types, but was only striking electrum in the earliest period. Samos also struck lion/boar coinage, but the diobols of the relevant series (Barron cl. 2) have a different type. Chersonesos in Caria might be suggested but it is incongruent to find the lion in an incuse square.

Very fine, the reverse from a worn die. Extremely rare, perhaps the only example known.

Unpublished in the standard references; perhaps compare von Aulock 4076 (later Lycian issue with similar types) or Nomos 33, lot 1232 (Northwestern Asia Minor, imitating Kyzikos).

 

 

寄运