Lapethos Stater - Uncertain King

Posted on: December 1, 2025

keywords: --- ## Discover the Lapethos Stater - Uncertain King 2 Sigloi Silver Coin ### Introduction The Stater of Lapethos, known as the Uncertain King 2 Sigloi, represents a fascinating piece of numismatic history. This ancient silver coin, with its remarkable design and intricate craftsmanship, provides a captivating glimpse into the cultural and artistic achievements of its time. Featuring the head of a goddess believed to be Aphrodite on its obverse and the bust of Athena on its reverse, this coin is a testament to the rich mythological heritage and skilled artistry of ancient Lapethos. ### Historical Background Lapethos, an ancient city located in Cyprus, was a significant cultural and economic hub during antiquity. The issuing authority of this coin, also named Lapethos, suggests that it was minted during a period when the city was governed by a king whose identity remains uncertain, hence the coin's designation. The 2 Sigloi denomination reflects the influence of Persian currency standards, indicating the city's interactions and trade relations within the broader ancient world. This coin not only served as a medium of exchange but also as a symbol of political power and cultural identity. ### Design Features **Obverse Design:** The obverse of the Stater coin presents a striking image of a female head, likely representing the goddess Aphrodite. She is depicted facing right, adorned with a diadem that holds her elegantly arranged hair. Three distinct strands of hair hang gracefully behind her neck, highlighting the detailed craftsmanship. The addition of a circular earring further enhances her divine beauty, embodying the aesthetic values and religious beliefs of the period. **Reverse Design:** On the reverse, the coin features the bust of the goddess Athena, renowned for her wisdom and strategic warfare. She is shown wearing a Corinthian helmet, emphasizing her martial attributes, and is also facing right. The design is encapsulated within an incused square, a common stylistic element in ancient coinage, providing a sense of depth and framing the divine portraiture. ### Technical Specifications The Stater - Uncertain King 2 Sigloi is crafted from high-quality silver, weighing approximately 11.30 grams. Its diameter measures 23.00 millimeters, making it a substantial and visually impressive coin. These technical specifications not only reflect the coin's monetary value but also its durability and the advanced metallurgical skills of the time. ### Collectible Value In the world of numismatics, the Lapethos Stater holds significant allure for collectors. Its rarity, coupled with the mysterious nature of its issuing authority, enhances its desirability. The exquisite depictions of Aphrodite and Athena contribute to its aesthetic and historical value, making it a prized addition to any collection of ancient coins. While market values can fluctuate based on condition and provenance, this coin generally commands high interest among enthusiasts and historians alike. ### Conclusion The Stater - Uncertain King 2 Sigloi from Lapethos is more than just a piece of currency; it is a window into the past, offering insights into ancient art, culture, and society. Its intricate designs and historical context make it a valuable collectible, embodying the spirit of an era long gone. Whether for its artistic appeal or its numismatic significance, this coin stands as a cherished relic of ancient Lapethos, captivating the imagination of collectors and historians worldwide.

[SEO TITLE]: Discover the Lapethos Stater - Uncertain King 2 Sigloi Silver Coin [SEO DESCRIPTION]: Explore the unique 2 Sigloi silver coin from Lapethos, featuring Aphrodite and Athena. [KEYWORDS]: Stater, Lapethos coin, 2 Sigloi, silver coin, Aphrodite coin, Athena coin, ancient currency

Discover the Lapethos Stater - Uncertain King 2 Sigloi Silver Coin

Introduction

The Stater of Lapethos, known as the Uncertain King 2 Sigloi, represents a fascinating piece of numismatic history. This ancient silver coin, with its remarkable design and intricate craftsmanship, provides a captivating glimpse into the cultural and artistic achievements of its time. Featuring the head of a goddess believed to be Aphrodite on its obverse and the bust of Athena on its reverse, this coin is a testament to the rich mythological heritage and skilled artistry of ancient Lapethos.

Historical Background

Lapethos, an ancient city located in Cyprus, was a significant cultural and economic hub during antiquity. The issuing authority of this coin, also named Lapethos, suggests that it was minted during a period when the city was governed by a king whose identity remains uncertain, hence the coin's designation. The 2 Sigloi denomination reflects the influence of Persian currency standards, indicating the city's interactions and trade relations within the broader ancient world. This coin not only served as a medium of exchange but also as a symbol of political power and cultural identity.

Coin Images

Coin obverse image Obverse

Coin reverse image Reverse

Design Features

Obverse Design:
The obverse of the Stater coin presents a striking image of a female head, likely representing the goddess Aphrodite. She is depicted facing right, adorned with a diadem that holds her elegantly arranged hair. Three distinct strands of hair hang gracefully behind her neck, highlighting the detailed craftsmanship. The addition of a circular earring further enhances her divine beauty, embodying the aesthetic values and religious beliefs of the period. Reverse Design:
On the reverse, the coin features the bust of the goddess Athena, renowned for her wisdom and strategic warfare. She is shown wearing a Corinthian helmet, emphasizing her martial attributes, and is also facing right. The design is encapsulated within an incused square, a common stylistic element in ancient coinage, providing a sense of depth and framing the divine portraiture.

Technical Specifications

The Stater - Uncertain King 2 Sigloi is crafted from high-quality silver, weighing approximately 11.30 grams. Its diameter measures 23.00 millimeters, making it a substantial and visually impressive coin. These technical specifications not only reflect the coin's monetary value but also its durability and the advanced metallurgical skills of the time.

Collectible Value

In the world of numismatics, the Lapethos Stater holds significant allure for collectors. Its rarity, coupled with the mysterious nature of its issuing authority, enhances its desirability. The exquisite depictions of Aphrodite and Athena contribute to its aesthetic and historical value, making it a prized addition to any collection of ancient coins. While market values can fluctuate based on condition and provenance, this coin generally commands high interest among enthusiasts and historians alike.

Conclusion

The Stater - Uncertain King 2 Sigloi from Lapethos is more than just a piece of currency; it is a window into the past, offering insights into ancient art, culture, and society. Its intricate designs and historical context make it a valuable collectible, embodying the spirit of an era long gone. Whether for its artistic appeal or its numismatic significance, this coin stands as a cherished relic of ancient Lapethos, captivating the imagination of collectors and historians worldwide.

Lapethos Stater - Sidqmelek

Corinth Stater

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