DYNASTS OF LYCIA. Kherei, circa 440/30-410 BC. Stater (Silver, 20 mm, 8.44 g, 7 h), Telmessos. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with four olive leaves and palmette; behind neck guard, 𐊜 ('X' in Lycian). Rev. 𐊜𐊁𐊕𐊚𐊆 - 𐊗𐊁𐊍𐊁𐊂𐊁𐊛𐊆𐊛𐊁 ('Xerẽi - Telebehihe' in Lycian) Bearded head of Herakles to right, wearing lion skin headdress; all within incuse square. Mørkholm & Zahle 52 (same dies). Müseler VI, 61-64 (same dies). SNG von Aulock 4189 (same dies). Beautifully toned and of fine style, with a perfectly centered obverse with a full crest and a fine pedigree. A few tiny marks, otherwise, about extremely fine.


The frequent appearance of Athena as a Lycian coin type in the 2nd half of the 5th century gives testimony to the Athenian influence in the area. In 469 BC, Kimon conquered and destroyed Xanthos, and compelled Phaselis to join the Delian League, whose tribute lists record one-time payments from a few other Lycian cities in 446/5. Despite these efforts, the natives eventually revolted, initially siding with Persia in 440 BC before fighting for independence. Phaselis, however, remained a stronghold for Athens throughout much of the Peloponnesian War, until it came under Persian control in 411 BC and harbored a Spartan garrison somewhat later.