378, Lot: 180. Estimate $100. Sold for $240. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

LYDIA, Uncertain. 5th century BC. AR Tetartemorion (6.5mm, 0.18 g, 7h). Head of ram right; decorative lines to left; above, FADVA[...] (in Lydian, read left to right [partially retorgrade]); below, QBVS (in Lydian, read left to right [partially retorgrade]) / Helmeted head of Athena right; to right, GUV (in Lydian, read right to left); L (in Lydian) behind neck; all within shallow incuse square. CNG E-376, lot 206 var. (letters); Pecunem 44, lot 365 var. (same); otherwise unpublished in the standard references. VF, light porosity.

The identification of the letters on this issue, as well as the others referenced, is very difficult due to the similarity of many letters, and the fact that many Lydian legends are often engraved with some letters retrograde or even inverted. Thus, our reading of them may be erroneous. Also, Lydian is typically read right to left, but occasionally it is right to left. Here, and on the CNG E-376 coin, the resolution of the legends seem to make more sense being read left to right.