KINGS OF LYDIA. Kroisos, circa 560-546 BC. Stater (Gold, 15 mm, 8.08 g), light standard, Sardes. Confronted foreparts of a lion, on the left, and a bull, on the right. Rev. Two incuse squares, one larger than the other. Berk 3. Boston MFA 2073. Dewing 2431. GRPC Lydia G51. SNG Kayhan 1023. SNG von Aulock 2875. A wonderful, boldly struck example of this important issue. Very light die wear, otherwise, good extremely fine.


Kroisos' gold staters represent the largest denomination in the world's first gold coinage. They come in two series, the earlier heavy and the somewhat later light standard. Our beautiful example belongs to the later, boasting a very sharply struck rendering of the famous lion and bull type, which forms one of the most recognizable types in all of ancient coinage.