CNG 97, Lot: 230. Estimate $750. Sold for $1100. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

KINGS of LYDIA. temp. Ardys – Alyattes. Circa 630s-564/53 BC. EL Hekte – Sixth Stater (10mm, 2.34 g). Sardes mint. Head of roaring lion right, sun with four rays on forehead / Two incuse squares. Weidauer Group XV, 76–8; Traité I –; SNG Kayhan –; Boston MFA 1769 = Warren 1718. VF, scuffs and cleaning marks.

Recent research (mostly forthcoming in publication, but cf. White Gold p. 20) has shown that the earliest Lydian electrum had begun before circa 630 BC, predating our traditional attribution to Alyattes. This redating affects Weidauer Groups XV, XVII, and XVIII, as well as the lion paw fractions and boar head coins that Spier linked to the early Lydian coinage (see the following lot).