A small silver coin struck at the edge of the Aegean, where trade, philosophy, and early monetary systems first took durable form. Minted in Miletos more than 2,500 years ago, this fractional stater was made to circulate by hand, not to be displayed. Today it survives as a rare witness to the earliest phases of Greek coinage, preserved and worn again as a contemporary heirloom.
The History
Miletos stood among the most influential cities of the ancient Greek world. Located on the western coast of Asia Minor, it was a major commercial hub and the birthplace of early Greek philosophy, home to thinkers such as Thales and Anaximander. Its prosperity depended on maritime trade, and its coinage reflects the practical needs of a complex, monetized economy.
This coin belongs to the archaic period, when Greek mints were still refining standards of weight and denomination. Fractional silver issues like this one were essential for everyday exchange, allowing value to be divided with precision long before standardized coinage became widespread. On the Attic standard, its weight places it between an obol and a diobol, a nuance that has led to frequent misclassification in older catalogs.
The lion was a powerful civic symbol in Ionia, associated with strength, protection, and authority. Even in this abbreviated form, it would have been immediately recognizable in circulation. The reverse, struck into an incuse square, reflects early minting techniques in which form and function were inseparable, the reverse punch both stabilizing the strike and marking the coin’s origin.
Handled daily in markets and ports, coins like this moved through countless anonymous lives. That this example remains intact today speaks to both the durability of silver and the sophistication of early Greek monetary design.
What’s Included
The authentic ancient Roman silver denarius shown
Carefully prepared and set as a finished pendant
A sterling silver chain
Optional 14k gold chain upgrade available at checkout
Protective packaging suitable for storage or gifting
Documentation describing the coin and its historical context
Coin Details
Mint: Miletos, Ionia (modern-day Balat, Turkey)
Date: c. 510–494 BC
Denomination: 1⁄12 stater
Material: Silver
Diameter: approximately 10 mm
Obverse: Forepart of a lion facing left, head turned right
Reverse: Floral star pattern within an incuse square
Ancient Greek 1⁄12 Stater of Miletos Set in 14k Gold (Lion)
$895.00
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Testimonials
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FAQs
Are all coins authentic?
Yes! All coins are genuine, not replicas. Fakes are rare because good forgeries take too much effort for low-value coins, and bad ones are easy to spot.
Where are your coins bought?
Mostly from reputable ancient coin auctions in Europe and the USA, plus private collections.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we proudly ship worldwide. Shipping options and times vary by country - you’ll see available methods at checkout.
Can I send you my own coin to make a pendant?
Absolutely! We love turning personal coins into wearable pieces. Just email us at info@peregrinependants.com to discuss your custom order.
What if my pendant needs repair?
If your pendant ever needs repair or resizing, contact us - we’re happy to help keep your piece in top shape.
