Miletos Ionia AR Diobol 6th-5th Century BC Lion Star Ancient Greek Silver For Sale

IONIA. Miletos. Late 6th–Early 5th Century BC
Ancient Greek AR Diobol / Silver Fraction
1.06 g • 9.79 mmReferences: SNG Kayhan 476–482; SNG Ashmolean 943–960; cf. SNG von Aulock 2080.Obverse: Forepart of a lion facing right, its head turned back to the left.Reverse: Stellate floral design centered within an incuse square.An archaic Greek silver fraction struck at Miletos, one of the most important commercial and cultural centers of ancient Ionia.The obverse features the characteristic Milesian lion, one of the principal symbols used on the city’s early silver coinage. The lion is shown with its head dramatically turned backward, creating one of the most recognizable small-denomination designs of archaic Ionia.The reverse carries the distinctive stellate floral motif within a square incuse, a hallmark of this Milesian silver series.Dating to approximately the late 6th to early 5th century BC, this coin was produced during the formative era of Greek coinage, when the cities of western Asia Minor played a central role in the development and spread of coined money.The denomination is variously described in modern references as an obol, diobol, or 1/12 stater, depending on the weight standard employed; examples of approximately 1.0–1.2 grams are routinely catalogued under these terms by major numismatic firms.Region: Ionia
City: Miletos
Date: Late 6th–early 5th century BC
Denomination: AR Diobol / silver fraction
Metal: Silver
Weight: 1.06 g
Diameter: 9.79 mm
Obverse: Lion forepart right, head reverted left
Reverse: Stellate floral design within incuse square
References: SNG Kayhan 476–482; SNG Ashmolean 943–960The coin pictured is the exact coin offered.