IONIA. Miletos. (Late 6th-early 5th centuries BC).AR Diobol (10.2mm 1.18g)Obv: cRev: Stellate floral design; all within incuse square.SNG Kayhan I 476-82.
The Diobol coins of Ionia, specifically from Miletos, dating back to the late 6th to early 5th centuries BC, are significant artifacts of ancient Greek numismatics. These coins, made of silver, typically weigh about 1.2 grams, fitting the standard of a Diobol. On the obverse, they often feature a lion's head, symbolizing the might and pride of Miletos, a prominent and powerful city in Ionia. The lion, a recurring motif in Milesian coinage, reflects both the city's cultural identity and its political stature in the region. The reverse usually displays a star or floral pattern, a simple yet elegant design characteristic of the period. These designs not only represent the artistic sensibilities of the era but also functioned as a form of civic branding, asserting Miletos' economic and cultural influence throughout the Ionian region. The Diobols of Miletos are thus an intriguing blend of art, commerce, and civic identity, encapsulating a significant phase in the history of ancient Greek coinage.