Greek
Sardes electrum hemihekte-twelfth ring, Greek, circa 620 - 553 BC
Electrum and gold
Ring size UK: N
Length of coin: 0.6 cm
Length of coin: 0.6 cm
An ancient electrum hemihekte-twelfth stater set in a modern and bespoke 18 carat gold ring. Dating to 620 - 553 BC and minted in Sardes, Lydia, the coin depicts a...
An ancient electrum hemihekte-twelfth stater set in a modern and bespoke 18 carat gold ring.
Dating to 620 - 553 BC and minted in Sardes, Lydia, the coin depicts a faint trace of a roaring lion to the left, with traces of a legend on the reverse.
Dating to 620 - 553 BC and minted in Sardes, Lydia, the coin depicts a faint trace of a roaring lion to the left, with traces of a legend on the reverse.
Provenance
Kallos Gallery London, acquired from CNG, 4 August 2021Literature
This ancient coin was minted under the rule of Alyattes I of Lydia, who is celebrated as the creator of coinage. It is believed that the Lydian king was the first monarch to issue coins made from electrum. Electrum is a natural alloy of both gold and silver. His successor, king Croesus was the first to issue gold coinage.This beautiful ring therefore has a very special connection to the past, as it includes one of the first coins ever minted.