Experts in Coins & Medals

IONIA. Uncertain mint. Circa 650-600 BC. Trite (Electrum, 12 mm, 4.58 g), Lydo-Milesian standard. Plain globular surface. Rev. Two square incuse punches of differing sizes with irregular surfaces. Karwiese, Artemision, Type I.1. Elektron I 3. SNG Kayhan 673. SNG von Aulock 7762. Traité II, 1, 11. Cf. Weidauer Group II (but this denomination unrecorded). A fascinating example of one of the earliest coins struck in the Western world. Virtually as struck.

SASANIAN KINGS. Khosrau II, 591-628. Drachm (Silver, 33 mm, 4.06 g, 9 h), ST (Istakhr [Persepolis]), regnal year 37 = 627/8. Bust of Khusrau II to right, wearing merlon crown ornamented with star above crescent and wings. Rev. Fire altar with ribbons flanked by two attendants; in upper left field, star; in upper right field, crescent. Göbl Type II/3. Sunrise -. Toned. Extremely fine.