Pre-Long Beach Auction #91

Lycian Dynasts. Mithrapata. Silver Stater (9.72 g), ca. 390-370 BC Superb EF. Forepart of roaring lion right. Reverse: Head of Mithrapata left; behind, triskeles; all within incuse square. Mildenberg 6 (O3/R5); Podalia 60 (A3/P5) = SNG Copenhagen Suppl. 472; Falghera -. Lustrous and lightly toned. One of the finest examples known. Superb Extremely Fine.
The Lycian die engravers under both Mithrapata and his successor, Perikles, were true masters. The portrait of Mithrapata on this coin, shown on the reverse, depicts a man with elderly features, somewhat sunken cheeks sporting a long bear, an aquiline nose, and hair combed forward. The details are intricate and realistic. The issues of Perikles continue these artistic developments, except the portrait is moved to the obverse and is, quite dramatically, facing instead of executed in profile. Around 360 BC, Maussollos of Caria conquered the area, thus abruptly ending Lycia's dynastic coinage. Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000