Ionia, Uncertain, Circa 650-600, Hemihekte – Twelfth Stater, Globular Surface / Incuse Punch – RRR

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Description

Greek, Ionia, Uncertain, Circa 650-600, Hemihekte – Twelfth Stater (electrum, 1.18g, 7.1mm), Lydo-Milesian Standard
Obv: Plain globular surface
Rev: Incuse square punch
Ref: SNG Kayhan 676-8 Rarity/Choice: Rare, VF (the coin was supposed to have an incuse square punch, but due to the nature of hand striking, the punch ended up impressively and uniquely resembling a heart shape)
Note: This coin from Ionia provides a glimpse into the early development of coinage in ancient Greece. Its small size, electrum composition, and incuse square punch reflect the experimental nature of early coinage and the importance of Ionia as a center for trade and innovation in the ancient Mediterranean world.  The minting of the first coins involved a relatively simple but labor-intensive process, from the collection and refining of electrum to the striking of the final coins. These early coins played a crucial role in the development of commerce and trade in the ancient world, providing a standardized form of currency that facilitated economic transactions across regions. NB: Electrum, a naturally occurring alloy of gold and silver, was abundant in the rivers of western Anatolia, particularly in the regions of Lydia and Ionia (modern-day Turkey).

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