Both sides of an irregularly shaped gold coin with relief decoration on each side. 
Photo © President and Fellows of Harvard College
Photo © President and Fellows of Harvard College

On the side of the coin on the left is the upper bodies of a lion and bull facing each other, lion's right arm outstretched, mouth open, the bull's head lowered. The other side of the coin depicts two indented squares of unequal size.

Identification and Creation

Object Number
1.1965.2426
People
Croesus, Lydian (r. 561-546 BCE)
Title
Stater of Sardis under Croesus
Classification
Coins
Work Type
coin
Date
561 BCE-546 BCE
Places
Creation Place: Ancient & Byzantine World, Asia, Lydia
Period
Archaic period
Culture
Greek
Persistent Link
https://hvrd.art/o/148695

Location

Location
Level 3, Room 3440, Ancient Mediterranean and Middle Eastern Art, Ancient Middle Eastern Art in the Service of Kings
View this object's location on our interactive map

Physical Descriptions

Medium
Gold
Metal
AV
Technique
Struck
Dimensions
10.72 g
Die Axis
not assignable
Denomination
stater

State, Edition, Standard Reference Number

Standard Reference Number
Hanfmann, From Croesus, pp. 5-6, 110

Acquisition and Rights

Credit Line
Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Loan from the Trustees of the Arthur Stone Dewing Greek Numismatic Foundation
Object Number
1.1965.2426
Division
Asian and Mediterranean Art
Contact
am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu
Permissions

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Descriptions

Description
Obv.: Foreparts of lion and bull, facing each other
Rev.: Two incuse squares, one slightly larger.

Exhibition History

  • Re-View: S422 Ancient & Byzantine Art & Numismatics, Harvard Art Museums/Arthur M. Sackler Museum, Cambridge, 04/12/2008 - 06/18/2011
  • 32Q: 3440 Middle East, Harvard Art Museums, 11/16/2014 - 01/01/2050

Verification Level

This record has been reviewed by the curatorial staff but may be incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. For more information please contact the Division of Asian and Mediterranean Art at am_asianmediterranean@harvard.edu