IONIA. Uncertain. Circa 650-600 BC. Trite or 1/3 Stater (Electrum, 14 mm, 4.66 g), Lydo-Milesian standard. Plain globular surface; traces of letters of an uncertain script along part of edge. Rev. Two incuse rectangles with geometric patterns. Artemision -. Rosen -. SNG Kayhan -. SNG von Aulock -. Triton XXIII (2020), 386. Triton XXVI (2023), 245. Weidauer -. Very rare. Minor marks and light scratches, otherwise, very fine.



This coin belongs to a series that has only come to scholarly attention in recent years. The obverse bears a circular inscription in an unknown script, which remains undeciphered—not least because the application of a continuous inscription around the edge would have been technically unfeasible in the 7th century BC. This feature likely reflects early numismatic experimentation rather than a conscious iconographic innovation. Due to the forceful striking of the coins, only partial letter fragments were transferred onto the flan in all known specimens, rendering the inscription illegible. Circular edge inscriptions would not become widespread on coins and medals until the modern period.

Of note is the fact that the reverse die is identical to that of lot number 408 above.