| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Herakles Auction 2 | Auction date: 3 March 2025 |
| Lot number: 8 Price realized: 500 EUR (Approx. 520 USD) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | Show similar lots on CoinArchives Find similar lots in upcoming auctions on  |
| Lot description: Greek Thraco-Macedonian Region. Berge (previously Lete or Siris) circa 525-480 BC. 1/12 Stater AR 11 mm, 1,01 g Satyr crouching to right; to right and left, pellets / Quadripartite incuse square with granulated compartments. Darkly toned. Good Very Fine HGC 3.1, 534; Psoma, Lete Reconsidered, 11-12; Rosen 157. The 1/12 stater of Berge (also spelled Berga or Bergaia), a city in the region of Thrace, is a fascinating example of early Greek coinage, notable for its small size and unique design. Berge was a minor but culturally significant settlement, and its coinage reflects both its local identity and its participation in the broader Greek economic and artistic traditions. The obverse of the 1/12 stater typically features a satyr in a crouched or seated position, often depicted holding a kantharos (a drinking cup) or engaging in playful or mischievous behavior. Satyrs, associated with the cult of Dionysus, symbolized revelry, nature, and fertility, and their depiction on the coin may reflect the city's ties to Dionysian traditions or the region's agricultural wealth, particularly in viticulture. The reverse of the coin is simple, often displaying an incuse square or a more abstract design. This minimalist reverse is characteristic of early Greek coinage, where the focus was on the obverse imagery, while the reverse primarily served as a functional element for striking the coin. As a fractional denomination, the 1/12 stater was likely used for small transactions, emphasizing its role in local trade and daily commerce rather than large-scale economic activity. Coins of Berge are quite rare, suggesting limited minting or a short period of production, which adds to their allure for numismatists today. Starting price: 150 EUR |  |
