GREEK C. 390-360 AR SIXTH-STATER Mint

The **Silver Sixth-Stater of Mithrapata** is a masterpiece of Lycian numismatics, representing a period of high artistic achievement and political complexity in Southwestern Anatolia. Mithrapata was a powerful dynast who ruled during the early 4th century BC, a time when Lycia was navigating its autonomy between the influence of the Persian Empire and the waning power of Athens. This coin is a testament to the "Lycian Renaissance," where local rulers utilized Greek-trained artists to produce coinage that rivaled the finest mints of the Mediterranean world.

### Obverse: The Lion Scalp
The obverse features a stunningly detailed **Lion Scalp** facing directly forward. This motif was a favorite in Lycian and Carian art, symbolizing raw power, protection, and royal authority. Unlike the profile views common on other Greek coins, the frontal "en face" perspective of the lion scalp is technically difficult to execute on a small silver flan. The design showcases the texture of the fur, the fierce furrow of the brow, and the intricate anatomical details of the beast. It served as an immediate visual shorthand for the strength of the Mithrapata dynasty.

### Reverse: The Triskeles and Dynastic Identity
The reverse features the **Triskeles**, the ancient three-branched symbol that served as the national emblem of Lycia. The three curved legs are joined at a central hub, spinning within an incuse square—a traditional Greek minting technique. Surrounding the symbol is the Lycian inscription identifying the ruler, **Mithrapata**. The presence of the Triskeles on the reverse acted as a mark of sovereignty, ensuring the coin was recognized across the trade routes of Lycia and beyond.

### The Grade: Extremely Fine (XF)
Graded **XF (Extremely Fine)** by NGC, this Sixth-Stater is a remarkable survivor. Lycian silver was often struck on somewhat irregular flans, and finding a specimen with such high-relief detail is rare.

* **Precision:** In XF condition, the fine lines of the lion’s mane and the sharp edges of the Triskeles remain crisp and distinct.
* **Luster:** The coin retains its original "silvering" and smooth surfaces, avoiding the heavy wear or "horn silver" corrosion common to 4th-century Anatolian finds.

For the collector, this coin is not just a piece of silver; it is a miniature sculpture. It captures a moment in time when Lycia stood as a unique cultural crossroads, blending the fierce independence of the Anatolian highlands with the refined aesthetics of the Greek world.