| Heritage World Coin Auctions > CSNS Signature Sale 3115 | Auction date: 8 May 2024 |
| Lot number: 31021 Price realized: This lot is for sale in an upcoming auction - Bid on this lot  | Show similar lots on CoinArchives Find similar lots in upcoming auctions on  |
| Lot description: Ancients IONIA. Erythrae (?). Ca. 600-550 BC. EL hemistater (15mm, 7.02 gm). ANACS AU 50. Milesian standard. Floral design of three radially arranged lotus flowers, three buds between; all on a raised circular boss, dotted border / Incuse square punch with irregular interior surfaces. Linzalone 1138. BMC Ionia p. 2, 2 (Uncertain Western Asia Minor mint). Jameson 2292. Rosen 250. Struck from a high-relief obverse die as typical for this beautiful issue. The electrum floral hemistater of Erythrai, a Greek city-state within the Ionian League, presents a captivating emblem in the form of lotus flowers at its central boss. This motif bears intriguing parallels with Egyptian iconography, particularly considering the water lily's profound significance in ancient Egyptian culture as a symbol of the sun and creation. Like its neighboring counterpart, the Chios stater featuring a sphinx, the Erythrai coin's lotus motif suggests cultural exchanges between Ionian Greeks and Egyptians during the 7/6th centuries BC. The portrayal of the lotus, a symbol deeply rooted in Egyptian art and myth, on a Greek coin underscores the Ionian city-states' position between two major powers, the Kingdom of Egypt and Achaemenid Empire, in their struggle for control over the Near East. https://coins.ha.com/itm/ancients/greek/ancients-ionia-erythrae-ca-600-550-bc-el-hemistater-15mm-702-gm-anacs-au-50/a/3115-31021.s?type=DA-DMC-CoinArchives-WorldCoins-3115-05082024 HID02906262019 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved Estimate: 10000-15000 USD |  |
