Late 6th-early 5th century BC
 
Silver Diobol – Hemihekte ~ 1/12 Stater. Milesian Standard. 1.21g 11mm at widest (7/16 in.). Very Small coin ~ compare US dime at 17.9mm

Obverse: Forepart of lion left, head reverted facing right.

Reverse: Stellate floral star pattern around a central globe/pellet; within incuse square with one side contoured in the shape of an M. 

The lion with head reverted and star of these early coins were the emblems of Miletos, as they still appear together much later on Milesian civic coins of the Hellenistic period.

Ref. SNG Kayhan 468–75. XF ~ Extremely Fine.

 This coinage may have been struck around the time that Aristagoras, the tyrant of Miletos, incited the Ionian Revolt (499-493 B.C.) against the Persian Empire. While the revolt began well and the rebels even burned the Persian capital at Sardes, it soon turned against them. Miletos was recaptured by the Persians and as punishment all of the men were killed, the women and children sold into the slavery, and all the young men were made into eunuchs. When Phrynichos produced a tragedy about these events a few years later he was fined by the Athenian demos for reminding them of the terrible punishment meted out to their Ionian allies.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

OUR GUARANTEE:  All illustrations are of the actual item offered. The authenticity of all pieces is fully guaranteed. Any item ever shown otherwise may be returned unaltered for full refund less shipping. If any item purchased is not to your satisfaction you may return it unaltered within 30 days of purchase for a full refund less shipping. We also guarantee absolute discretion and confidentiality in all transactions.