Lot 49
Lycian Dynasts. Mithrapata. Silver Stater (9.92 g), ca. 390-370 BC. Forepart of roaring lion right. Reverse: MITHRAPATA (in Lycian), Head of Mithrapata left; behind, triskeles; all within incuse square. SNG Copenhagen Suppl. 472; Falghera -. Luster still present. An area of flatness noted on the lion. Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $750 - UP
The Lycian die engravers under both Mithrapata and his successor, Perikles, were true masters. The portrait of Mithrapata on this coin, shown on the reverse, depicts a man with elderly features, somewhat sunken cheeks sporting a long beard, an aquiline nose, and hair combed forward. The details are intricate and realistic. The issues of Perikles continue these artistic developments, except the portrait is moved to the obverse and is, quite dramatically, facing instead of executed in profile. Around 360 BC, Maussollos of Caria conquered the area, thus abruptly ending Lycia’s dynastic coinage.
Peter Corcoran Collection, Ex Freeman & Sear 3 (10 December 1996), 268.
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| Realized $3,000 |
