This substantial silver coin comes from the ancient city of Aspendus in Pamphylia (southern coast of modern Turkey). The stater was a high-value trade coin that facilitated commerce throughout the eastern Mediterranean during a period when Persian influence was giving way to increasing Greek cultural and economic dominance.
Coin Description:
Front side: Naked warrior (hoplite) advancing right, holding sword and large round shield
Back side: Triskeles (three human legs joined at the center) with the letters "EΣ" above, all contained within an incuse square
Technical Details:
Silver composition, weighing 10.81 grams
Stater denomination (major silver trade coin)
References: Cf. SNG Aulock-4477 and BM-3
No certification mentioned
Date: Circa 465-430 BCE
Condition: Not specified
Historical Significance:
Aspendus was a prosperous city in Pamphylia (southern Turkish coast) that was officially under Persian control during this period but maintained significant autonomy. The warrior image reflects the city's military traditions, while the distinctive triskeles symbol may represent the three major promontories of Asia Minor or have religious significance. These staters were renowned for their consistent weight and fineness, making them important in Mediterranean trade networks during the period when Athens was rising to its height of power.
This substantial silver coin comes from the ancient city of Aspendus in Pamphylia (southern coast of modern Turkey). The stater was a high-value trade coin that facilitated commerce throughout the eastern Mediterranean during a period when Persian influence was giving way to increasing Greek cultural and economic dominance.
Coin Description:
Front side: Naked warrior (hoplite) advancing right, holding sword and large round shield
Back side: Triskeles (three human legs joined at the center) with the letters "EΣ" above, all contained within an incuse square
Technical Details:
Silver composition, weighing 10.81 grams
Stater denomination (major silver trade coin)
References: Cf. SNG Aulock-4477 and BM-3
No certification mentioned
Date: Circa 465-430 BCE
Condition: Not specified
Historical Significance:
Aspendus was a prosperous city in Pamphylia (southern Turkish coast) that was officially under Persian control during this period but maintained significant autonomy. The warrior image reflects the city's military traditions, while the distinctive triskeles symbol may represent the three major promontories of Asia Minor or have religious significance. These staters were renowned for their consistent weight and fineness, making them important in Mediterranean trade networks during the period when Athens was rising to its height of power.
