Triton XV, Lot: 1236. Estimate $5000. Sold for $4000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

IONIA, Uncertain. Circa 600-550 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (10mm, 2.76 g). Phokaic standard. Figural type. Goose standing right, head left / Incuse square punch. Apparently unpublished. Good VF.

The iconography of this piece is similar to the coinage attributed to Eion in Macedonia. Electrum is known for that series, but there is always a small lizard also on the obverse (cf. Traité I 213 = HPM p. 186, 1a, pl. IX, 4). Although it is possible that there is a lizard on this coin that was struck off the flan, it is typically placed immediately next to the goose’s bill, such that some indication should be visible on this coin. Also, the overall style of the goose is somewhat different from those on the coins of Eion, and the fabric of this piece is more similar to the hektes of Ionia.