LYCIA. Xanthos (as Arñna) (?), circa 400-380 BC. Obol (Silver, 9 mm, 0.60 g, 9 h). Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves and palmette. Rev. 𐊀𐊕-𐊑-𐊒 (?) ('Arñu' in Lycian) Bearded and horned male head (river-god?) to right; all within incuse square. CNG E-Auction 596 (2025), 273 (same reverse die). Falghera -. Müseler -. SNG Copenhagen -. Of the highest rarity, apparently the second and by far the finest known example. Struck from a somewhat worn obverse die, otherwise, very fine.



Reading the legend on this issue is difficult because of the small size of the letters, especially since the only other known specimen is in much poorer condition. The coin probably originates from Xanthos, whose Lycian name was Arñna: under microscopic examination, the sequence 𐊀𐊕𐊑 (Arñ) appears to be the most plausible reading on our piece. If the small annulet in front of the horn corresponds to the Lycian letter 𐊒 = u, the inscription would read Arñu. This may represent a shortened genitive meaning '[coin] of Xanthos', although the matter must remain uncertain.