IONIA. Phokaia. Circa 625/0-522 BC. Myshemihekte – 1/24 Stater (Electrum, 6 mm, 0.62 g, 12 h). Head of an eagle to left; below, small seal left. Rev. Incuse square punch. Bodenstedt -. Elektron I -. Elektron II -. Linzalone -. SNG Copenhagen -. SNG Kayhan -. SNG von Aulock -. Vismara, Monetazione -. Apparently unpublished and unique. Sharply struck from fresh dies of exceptionally fine style, a miniature masterpiece. Virtually as struck.


This remarkable, apparently unpublished myshemihekte is undoubtedly one of the finest Greek fractional coins known. The magnificent eagle’s head, cut into a die only a few millimetres in diameter, with the seal of Phokaia below, ranks among the most exquisite animal depictions of the Archaic period. With its exceptionally sharp strike and magnificent preservation, it is a true miniature masterpiece.