![]() It is therefore considered likely now that the Lydians obtained their electrum instead from the northwest region of their empire, in today’s Turkey. But in the early 2010s, the startling discovery was made through mineralogical research that the flow of precious metal from the Pactolus River must have been pure gold (Cahill et al. For many years, the general professional opinion was that electrum flowed directly down from the Pactolus River right beside the city of Sardis. The Lydians must also have possessed large deposits of the alloy to be tempted to monetise it despite its unfortunate features. But if so, they manifestly found it more economical to coin the electrum. There is some speculation that the Lydians could have separated the gold and silver earlier had they wanted to. The refinery dates to about the time when King Croesus of Lydia decided to substitute fresh gold coins for the electrum ones. ![]() Field research in the late 1960s uncovered remains of a refinery for separating unadulterated electrum between the metals on the site of Sardis, capital of Lydia. But they did not know how their ability to divide up electrum between silver and gold came later. Had the Lydians known how to separate the raw electrum between gold and silver, they might well have done so. When Lydia decided to coin, money was already widely present in the form of gold and silver in its trading region for centuries. As a corollary, the subsequent coinage in silver in Greece, beginning about 80 years later, requires a separate explanation. Interestingly, it is the very uncertainty of the value of electrum that is the key to the benefit of its coinage. But more recently, the logic of the Lydian choice has emerged. Therefore, the metal would seem to be a particularly poor choice for coinage, and it was widely considered so until recent decades. Electrum is an alloy of gold and silver that varies in its natural state between 65% and 85% gold, and neither weighing nor the touchstone can tell the percentage in between with any precision. All the gemstones, are secured in the settings.Coinage began in Lydia, in the interior of West Anatolia, in the form of electrum in the second half of the 7th century B.C., around 630. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. Note: One gold Stater have the equivalent to 20 silver drachms or 50 copper pieces.Ĭondition: The overall condition of this pendant is excellent. Carthage was eventually completely destroyed in 146 BC by the Romans after a series of enormous battles known as the Punic wars. Embodied, at one point, by one of history's greatest military leaders, Hannibal. Her position enabled her to become a powerful and influential city-state. Note: Carthage, one of the great cities of antiquity, was ideally located on the North African coast in modern day Tunisia. ![]() Stamped, with the gold assay hallmark, " 18 KT". The total weight is 13.95 Grams and the measures are 25.8 mm by 42 mm (1.01 x 1.65 Inches). The frame is embellished around, with a pave setting of 38 round brilliant cut diamonds (1.21 Carats, F color, VS-2 clarity) and 1 round cabochon cut (4 mm) of a natural Burmese red ruby of 0.12 carats. The coin is carefully mounted in a custom made frame, crafted in solid yellow gold of 18 karats, with a movable bale of 10 mm on top to wear into a chain. 97.5. Jenkins & Lewis, Group IV d, 224 (same dies) Literature references: SNG Copenhagen 977 Suppl. The overall condition is EF+/EF+ or better, with remains of the original mint luster on both sides and the coin is virtually in mint state, as struck. Fully well centered, with very high reliefs, superb details and a beautiful face. The coin have a weight of 7.65 grams and the strike is exceptional, with nice medal alignment and zero axis. ![]() ( The symbolism of the horse is unknown, but potentially related to another ancient Carthaginian god). Rev description: A standing horse to the right inside a dotted border. She is shown facing to the left, wearing a triple long drop earring and beaded necklace, her hair is tied up, with a wreath of grains. Obv description: The portrait bust in profile of the chief goddess of Carthage, Tanit. Jeweled coin pendant with Ancient gold coin.Ī impressive and beautiful ancient Punic gold (Electrum) Stater coin, struck at the city of Carthage in Zeugitane in the 3th century bc (Ca.
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