DYNASTS OF LYCIA. Kherei, circa 440/30-410 BC. Stater (Silver, 18 mm, 8.46 g, 1 h), Telmessos. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with three 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). A splendid and attractively toned example of excellent style. Nearly 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. Kimon conquered and destroyed Xanthos in 469 and compelled Phaselis to join the Delian League, whose tribute lists in 446/5 record once-only payments from a few other Lycian cities as well. However, the rebellious natives inevitably revolted, siding first, in 440 BC, with Persia, before fighting for independence. The one notable exception was the Greek city of Phaselis, which remained an Athenian stronghold well into the Peloponnesian War, when it came under Persian control and harbored a Spartan garrison in 411 BC.