KAUNOS, CARIA AR STATER, 470 - 430 B.C.E.
SNG Von Aulock 2346, HN Online 1583, Good Very Fine, approx. 20mm, set in modern sterling silver with an 18" Italian silver rope chain, pendant total height 32.8mm, width 20.8mm, total weight 17.10 grams (Coin is typically 11 - 12 grams)
Obverse: Iris in kneeling-running stance to left, her head turned back, holding kerykeion in her right hand and wreath in her left
Reverse: Triangular baetyl (sacred rock) with handle on either side of the apex, to left and right, granulated patterns in the form of stylized birds, all within incuse square
A CHOICE very scarce Greek archaic Stater featuring Iris, Goddess of the Rainbow with spread wings. The coin presents clear and complete wings not often found on this archaic type, while keeping to a perfectly centered reverse with ALL elements present. Unlike most the coin is well struck throughout, including the portrait and birds and is simply beautiful, quite exceptional in its own right!
The coin is not ex-jewelry having just been set and not sold since. It was set in a specially molded form to hold the coin without any prongs or damage. We purchased it as is and considered removing the coin as is worth as much on its own, but took stock of the current Taylor Swift stylish trend of custom ancient coin jewelry. You can read some about it by clicking here. This coin is a original genuine specimen and of greater rarity
