DYNASTS OF LYCIA. Erbbina, circa 400-390 BC. Stater (Silver, 23 mm, 8.39 g, 6 h), Telmessos. Head of Athena to left, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves and palmette. Rev. 𐊁𐊕𐊂𐊂𐊆𐊏𐊀 ('Erbbina' in Lycian) Herakles, nude but for lion skin over his head and shoulders and a sword in scabbard hanging from his left hip, striding to left with his left foot set on a rock, wielding club in his right hand and holding strung bow in his left; in field to left and right, Θ - 𐤭 (Carian letters of uncertain reading, which were added later to the die). Mørkholm & Zahle 74 (same dies). Müseler VI, 83-84 var. (without the Carian letters on the reverse). Very rare. A fascinating issue of great beauty with a particularly attractive reverse. The obverse struck from a somewhat worn die, otherwise, about extremely fine.


The vigorous artistry of this reverse is remarkable: Herakles is shown striding to the left within a square incuse, his body turned away so we can see his back and his left foot placed on a rock; the hero wields his club and holds his strung bow while he is dragging his right foot behind him, outside of the dotted border. This striking image is the work of a very skilled and ingenious artist, who depicts Herakles with unparalleled depth and motion - the hero is more dancing than fighting, as he is stepping into the reverse and attacking his invisible foe.