IONIA. Ephesos. Circa 650-600 BC. Hekte or 1/6 Stater (Electrum, 10 mm, 2.33 g), Lydo-Milesian standard. Bee viewed from above. Rev. Incuse punch composed of two incuse squares with irregular indentations, separated by low convex vertical line. BMC -. BMFA -. CNG 102 (2016), 444 (same obverse die). Karwiese II.1, Type 2, 3 (same obverse die). Linzalone 1101 (same obverse die). Pozzi -. Rosen -. SNG Kayhan -. Triton XXVII (2024), 266 (same dies?). SNG von Aulock -. Weidauer -. Struck from a completely deteriorated obverse die, otherwise, very fine.


Comparing this piece, which features a new reverse die, with its counterpart in Triton XXVII (2024), 266, reveals intriguing divergences on the obverse, despite sharing the same reverse die. The presence of an identical, potato-shaped protuberance in the lower right quarter of both coins suggests they originate from the same obverse die, which was re-engraved to deepen and round the lumps. The later striking of the Triton piece is evident from the additional die wear on the reverse.