Lycia, Phaselis. Magistrate: Aristarchos. c. 250-220 BC
Lycia, Phaselis. Magistrate: Aristarchos. c. 250-220 BC
AR Stater, c. 250-220 BC, 10.27g (21mm, 6h).
Prow of galley r. with club right at top of prow, sea horse below / Stern of galley l., star and ΑΡΙΣΑΡΧΟΣ ΦΑΣΗ above
Pedigree: From the Robert Ball Collection
References: Heipp-Tamer 127 (V15/R43). cf. SNG von Aulock 4422 (same obverse die)
Grade: Beautifully struck with sharp details and iridescent toning. Some hairline scratches below the prow on obverse (old cleaning scratches). Reverse is equally well struck with some iridescence. Minor marks but above average quality. Mint State. (gk1739)
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Phaselis was located on the coast of Asia Minor (modern day Turkey). Up until the time of Alexander the Great, Phaselis was part of the Delian League, a group of Greek city states that formed to combat the infringing Persians. After the death of Alexander, in which this coin was struck, the area was run by the Egyptians under the Ptolemies, a successor of Alexander. This coin was struck with a prow on the reverse and a stern on the reverse. Another aspect of sea life is the sea horse. The magistrate responsible for the striking of the coins is named on this piece.