ISLANDS OFF ATTICA, Aegina. Circa 525-480 BC. 'Stater' (Lead, 20 mm, 13.15 g), a monetiform cast tessera or token. Sea turtle seen from above, head in profile. Rev. Incuse square of 'Union Jack' pattern with some sections filled. Cf. HGC 6, 430, Meadows Group IIb and SNG Copenhagen 502. Leu Web Auction 28 (2023), 1146. Gitbud & Naumann E-Auction 3 (2013), 96. Very rare. Some deposits, otherwise, nearly very fine.


The function of the very rare lead 'staters' from Aegina remains uncertain. Perhaps they were trial pieces, or some form of emergency currency issued in a time of crisis. The present example is particularly interesting because it was cast rather than struck: not only lack the details sharpness, but the reverse also preserves the impression of a slightly misaligned mould.