KINGS OF LYDIA. Alyattes, circa 620/10-564/53 BC. Hemihekte – 1/12 Stater (Electrum, 7 mm, 1.18 g). Head of roaring lion to left; traces of 𐤥𐤠𐤩𐤥𐤤𐤩 ('walwel' in Lydian) downward to left. Rev. Incuse square. Classical Numismatic Group E-Auction 547 (2023), 233 corr. (same obverse die, but erroneously described as 'Uncertain Ionia'). GRPC Lydia, G20. Sunrise 1 (same obverse die). Weidauer Group XVII, 113. Traité I 58. Very rare and unusually well preserved, with a beautiful lion's head. Minor marks and with very light deposits, otherwise, about extremely fine.

Alyattes was a king of Lydia who reigned from around 620/10 to 564/53 BC, succeeding his father, Sadyattes. He is known for his military campaigns, notably against the Cimmerians, who had invaded Lydia and threatened the kingdom’s security, and later, the Medes, who were expanding their influence in the region. Alyattes successfully repelled the Cimmerian invasion, stabilizing Lydia’s borders and securing the kingdom’s dominance in western Anatolia. He also played a key role in the development of Lydian coinage, one of the earliest forms of minted currency, as evidenced by this beautiful hemihekte bearing his name in the Lydian script. Alyattes was succeeded by his son, Kroisos, whose legendary wealth and eventual downfall would further cement the dynasty’s place in history