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IONIA, Ephesos. Phanes. Circa 625-600 BC. EL Hemihekte – Twelfth Stater (8.5mm, 1.15 g). Forepart of stag right, head left / Incuse square with raised lines within. Fischer-Bossert, Phanes 34 (O21/R34s); Weidauer 38. Underlying luster. Near EF.
The celebrated coins of Phanes – the first coins on which a legend appears – are known to be among the earliest Greek coins, as a hemihekte (twelfth stater) of the issue was found in the famous foundation deposit of the temple of Artemis at Ephesos, built circa 550 BC. It is this find spot, along with the design of the grazing stag, that suggests Ephesos as the mint. If indeed a person, the mysterious “Phanes” named on this piece was likely an Ephesian treasury minister or a private individual wealthy enough to strike his own coinage. An alternative reading of the legend as “Phaneos” (light-bringer) has also been proposed, perhaps referring to an aspect of Artemis or her brother, Apollo.
The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 133 lots will be determined at the live online sale that will be held on 15-16 September 2026.
CNG Feature Auction 133 – Session Two – Lot 309-594 will be held Tuesday morning, 15 September 2026 beginning at 2:00 PM ET.
Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.
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