Ancient Greek Lead Archaic Lydian Lead Seal with Croeseid Lion and Bull – Kingdom of Lydia
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Archaic Lydian lead seal with Croeseid lion and bull from the Kingdom of Lydia, circa 6th century BC, in excellent condition, weight 6.5 g and dimensions 18.0 × 18.0 × 5.0 mm, acquired in 2020 from the Netherlands from a private collection.
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Description from the seller
Archaic Lydian Lead Seal with Croeseid Lion and Bull – Kingdom of Lydia
Archaic Period, circa 6th century BC
Material: Lead
Weight: 6.5 g
Dimensions: 18.0 × 18.0 × 5.0 mm
From a Private European Collection.
An exceptionally fascinating and extremely rare Archaic Lydian lead seal featuring one of the most celebrated designs in ancient monetary history: the confronted lion and bull associated with the legendary gold and silver coinage of King Croesus of Lydia.
The Iconography of King Croesus:
The obverse displays a remarkable composition recalling the confronted foreparts of a lion and bull, the iconic emblem of the Croeseid coinage struck at Sardis during the 6th century BC.
This celebrated design belongs to a defining chapter in the history of money. Under King Croesus, Lydia became associated with the introduction of a revolutionary monetary system based on separately issued gold and silver coinage of standardized weight and purity.
The reverse is particularly intriguing, preserving a recessed rectangular area with ancient surface impressions. Its construction recalls the characteristic incuse punches found on early Lydian coinage, creating a fascinating visual relationship between this small lead object and the celebrated Croeseid monetary tradition.
A Remarkable Survivor from Archaic Lydia:
Unlike the famous precious-metal coins of Croesus, surviving lead objects bearing comparable imagery are exceptionally difficult to encounter.
Ancient seals played important roles in administration, commerce and the authentication of goods. In a wealthy trading kingdom such as Lydia, sealing practices formed part of the broader economic and administrative environment in which early coinage developed.
The present specimen is especially captivating because it brings together the iconic lion-and-bull composition, an unusual recessed reverse and the distinctive character of ancient lead manufacture.
Its compact dimensions, substantial ancient fabric and attractive earthy patina further enhance its archaeological appearance and collectability.
The Kingdom That Changed Monetary History:
Croesus, the last great king of Lydia, ruled one of the wealthiest kingdoms of the ancient world. His capital, Sardis, became a landmark in monetary history, and his name has remained synonymous with extraordinary wealth for more than two and a half millennia.
The confronted lion and bull became enduring symbols of this remarkable civilization and are today among the most instantly recognizable designs in Archaic Greek and Anatolian numismatics.
The present lead seal offers an intriguing connection to this celebrated artistic and monetary tradition. Although its precise administrative function and attribution require further specialist comparison, its imagery makes it an especially appealing object for collectors interested in Lydia, Croesus and the origins of coinage.
An Extremely Rare Collectors' Piece:
The combination of its distinctive lion-and-bull imagery, unusual reverse, miniature dimensions and appealing ancient patina makes this an exceptional conversation piece within the field of early Anatolian antiquities.
An extremely rare and historically evocative lead seal with Croeseid-type iconography – an intriguing miniature witness to the artistic traditions associated with one of antiquity's most legendary kingdoms.
I prove that the lot was obtained legally , provenance statement seen by Catawiki
Important information. I guarantee that I am entitled to ship this lot.
I will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
I will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
Archaic Lydian Lead Seal with Croeseid Lion and Bull – Kingdom of Lydia
Archaic Period, circa 6th century BC
Material: Lead
Weight: 6.5 g
Dimensions: 18.0 × 18.0 × 5.0 mm
From a Private European Collection.
An exceptionally fascinating and extremely rare Archaic Lydian lead seal featuring one of the most celebrated designs in ancient monetary history: the confronted lion and bull associated with the legendary gold and silver coinage of King Croesus of Lydia.
The Iconography of King Croesus:
The obverse displays a remarkable composition recalling the confronted foreparts of a lion and bull, the iconic emblem of the Croeseid coinage struck at Sardis during the 6th century BC.
This celebrated design belongs to a defining chapter in the history of money. Under King Croesus, Lydia became associated with the introduction of a revolutionary monetary system based on separately issued gold and silver coinage of standardized weight and purity.
The reverse is particularly intriguing, preserving a recessed rectangular area with ancient surface impressions. Its construction recalls the characteristic incuse punches found on early Lydian coinage, creating a fascinating visual relationship between this small lead object and the celebrated Croeseid monetary tradition.
A Remarkable Survivor from Archaic Lydia:
Unlike the famous precious-metal coins of Croesus, surviving lead objects bearing comparable imagery are exceptionally difficult to encounter.
Ancient seals played important roles in administration, commerce and the authentication of goods. In a wealthy trading kingdom such as Lydia, sealing practices formed part of the broader economic and administrative environment in which early coinage developed.
The present specimen is especially captivating because it brings together the iconic lion-and-bull composition, an unusual recessed reverse and the distinctive character of ancient lead manufacture.
Its compact dimensions, substantial ancient fabric and attractive earthy patina further enhance its archaeological appearance and collectability.
The Kingdom That Changed Monetary History:
Croesus, the last great king of Lydia, ruled one of the wealthiest kingdoms of the ancient world. His capital, Sardis, became a landmark in monetary history, and his name has remained synonymous with extraordinary wealth for more than two and a half millennia.
The confronted lion and bull became enduring symbols of this remarkable civilization and are today among the most instantly recognizable designs in Archaic Greek and Anatolian numismatics.
The present lead seal offers an intriguing connection to this celebrated artistic and monetary tradition. Although its precise administrative function and attribution require further specialist comparison, its imagery makes it an especially appealing object for collectors interested in Lydia, Croesus and the origins of coinage.
An Extremely Rare Collectors' Piece:
The combination of its distinctive lion-and-bull imagery, unusual reverse, miniature dimensions and appealing ancient patina makes this an exceptional conversation piece within the field of early Anatolian antiquities.
An extremely rare and historically evocative lead seal with Croeseid-type iconography – an intriguing miniature witness to the artistic traditions associated with one of antiquity's most legendary kingdoms.
I prove that the lot was obtained legally , provenance statement seen by Catawiki
Important information. I guarantee that I am entitled to ship this lot.
I will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
I will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
Details
Culture
Ancient Greek
Century/timeframe
circa 6th century BC
Name of object
Archaic Lydian Lead Seal with Croeseid Lion and Bull – Kingdom of Lydia
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2020
Material
Lead
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Previous owner - country acquired from
Netherlands
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
