Description: Greece, Island of Cyprus. Archaic Period. Salamis - Euelthon (r. ca. 530-500 BC) AR (Silver) stater. Choice VF; very rare coin and in exceptional condition for the issue with a clear reverse. Well centered on a large flan and boasting an exceptionally clear Egyptian ankh; certainly one of the finest known. The first coin minted on the island of Cyprus. Design: Ram reclining left; legend in Cypriot syllabic script above / Ankh (an ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic symbol meaning 'life') within incuse square, the corners of which are decorated with leaves Ref. BMC 15-16. Tziambazis 100. Dimensions: 25 mm / 11.20 gm / 6h Condition: Choice VF; one of the better examples in existence of this excessively rare type. A great coin. Note: Archaic Period Cyprus (ca. 600-500 BC) was a mysterious place - outside of the world of mainland Greece, it maintained esoteric local traditions, many of which display Egyptian influence due to the proximity of the island to Egypt. In fact, Egypt had occupied Cyprus for several decades after the Pharaoh Amasis II conquered the island in 570, no doubt increasing cultural flows between the Nile Delta and the nearby island. Egyptian influence over Cyprus in this period can be seen in the ankh on the reverse of this coin, struck a mere ~50 years after the Egyptian conquest, as well as the sculptures with giant, oversized heads reminiscent of earlier Egyptian works that were in fashion on the island of Cyprus at the time. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York boasts an exquisite collection of these Archaic Cypriot 'big heads,' as they are colloquially referred to, which convey an eerie sense of wonder to the viewer. All coins are guaranteed authentic and backed by Miller Ancients’ returns policy. Miller Ancients is a New York-based ancient coin firm that is proud to offer 15 years of experience and has sold over 10,000 coins to date. Please feel free to reach out with any questions!
Price: 3395 USD
Location: New York, New York
End Time: 2024-12-26T05:19:42.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Seller
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Denomination: Stater
Historical Period: Greek (450 BC-100 AD)
Composition: Silver
Year: 530 BC
Era: Ancient
Country/Region of Manufacture: Cyprus
Variety: Archaic Period
