IONIA. Uncertain. Circa 600-550 BC. 1/192 Stater (Subargentum, 4 mm, 0.07 g), a contemporary plated imitation. Rosette with central pellet. Rev. Cruciform incuse with pellet in center and in each arm. Cf. Heritage 231925 (2019), 63058 (differing reverse and 1/96 stater). Cf. Leu Web Auction 18 (2022), 1290 (silver hemitetartemorion with similar design). SNG Kayhan -, cf. 740 (silver hemitetartemorion with similar design). Weidauer -. Extremely rare and of great numismatic interest. Breaks in plating, otherwise, very fine.


This is a highly interesting coin in several ways. First, as an 1/192 stater, it is both the smallest as well as the rarest recorded electrum denomination. Secondly, close examination under a microscope reveals that the coin consists of a silver core plated with a thin layer of electrum - thus, not even the tiniest of the early precious metal issues were safe from fraud and deception!