390-360 B.C. 1/3 Stater Dynasts of Lycia Trbbenimi NGC VF

Ancient Greek Silver Coin, Centuries Old

Throughout history, smaller nations have often been caught in the middle of conflicts fought by their larger and more avaricious neighbors. Such was the case of Lycia, which was alternately aligned with the Greeks and the Persians in the years between the Peloponnesian War and the rise of Alexander the Great. Located on a portion of land on the southern coast of Turkey, Lycia operated sort of like a free agent during this time between from 431 to 323 B.C. and often switched allegiances depending on who had the advantage at any given time. That ebb and flow of political necessity is evidenced by this coin, struck in sometime between 390 and 360 B.C by Trbbẽnimi, a Lycian Dynast and a contemporary of Pericles, the last Lycian king. Little is known about Trbbẽnimi other than at one time the Athenians rewarded him for services rendered and that Pericles built a shrine, the herôon of Limyra, for him.

Designs Feature Distinctive Greek Motifs

Struck in approximately 2.5 grams of silver, this 2,400-year-old 1/3 Stater coin hails from the Classical Era of Greece that is generally considered the golden age of Greek culture. The obverse features the scalp of a Lion—similar to what Heracles, an iconic demigod of Greek mythology, is typically depicted wearing. The reverse displays a "triskelion" which is a triple spiral motif popular on pottery from the Archaic Period and coins from the classical period. This distinctive mark was also present on the coinage of the later Lycian League. Historians believe that it is a solar emblem symbolizing rotatory motion. In this case it would refer to the worship of the national Lycian deity, Apollo, the God of Light.

Grade By NGC In Nice, Very Fine Condition

Lycia fell under Macedonian hegemony and Greek culture upon following Alexander the Great's victory over the Persians. Now firmly under Macedonian control, an influx of Greek speakers rapidly overwhelmed the few remaining Lycian speakers. Lycia was rapidly Hellenized, and the Lycian language disappeared from inscriptions and coinage. It's surprising that a coin this old from that era has lasted this long—and in this nice of condition! Each has been graded by the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) as being in Very Fine (VF) condition and housed in a story vault holder with lots of detail about this coin and its history. Availability is limited, so act now!