Rare Kroisos Half Stater

CNG 99, Lot: 260. Estimate $1000. Sold for $5500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

KINGS of LYDIA. Kroisos. Circa 564/53-550/39 BC. AR Half Stater (20.5mm, 5.30 g). Sardes mint. Confronted foreparts of lion and bull / Two incuse squares. Berk 23; Traité –; SNG Kayhan –; SNG von Aulock –; SNG Copenhagen –. Near EF, toned. Excellent metal for issue. Rare half stater under Kroisos.

Most half staters of the Kroiseid type were struck under the Persians after their conquest of Lydia. These Kroiseid and Persian types are distinguished by their style, with the former being more lifelike, and the latter being more stylized. Kroiseid half staters are quite rare.