© Trustees of the British Museum
© Trustees of the British Museum
Stater 480 BC - 470 BC
| Silver | 10.912 g | - |
| Issuer | Idalion (Cyprus (ancient)) |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 480 BC - 470 BC |
| Value | Silver Stater (3) |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 10.912 g |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#361626 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Lotus flower on two spiral tendrils, ivy-leaf left and astragalos right.
Interesting fact
The Idalion Stater is considered one of the earliest coins to feature an image of a king or ruler. The obverse side of the coin depicts a bearded king wearing a royal diadem, while the reverse side features a standing figure of the goddess Aphrodite. This coinage was issued during the reign of King Stasio, who ruled Idalion from 480 BC to 470 BC. The use of a king's image on a coin was a novelty at the time and signified the growing power and influence of the Cypriot kingdoms in the ancient world.