ITALY. Bruttium. Kaulonia. AR Stater (Nomos) (8.34 gms), ca. 535-500 B.C. NGC Ch AU★, Strike: 5/5 Surface: 5/5. Fine Style. HGC-1, 1416; HN Italy-2035; Noe-Unlisted (same obv. die as 17-19). Obverse: Apollo advancing right, holding branch overhead and extending hand upon which a small daimon, holding branch in each hand, runs right; to right, stag standing right, head left; dot-and-cable border around; Reverse: Incuse of obverse, but daimon in outline and with no ethnic; radiate border around. About as alluring and exquisite as one can hope to encounter for a coin over 2,500 years in age, this outstanding specimen presents freshness normally reserved for recently produced coinage. The strike is extremely well executed and bold, while being perfectly centered as well, and the toning complements the contours incredibly seamlessly. Furthering its uncanny appeal that much more is the presence of a mint luster that radiates just as well as the day on which it was removed from the anvil. For the connoisseur who demands nothing but the best, this representative will undoubtedly impress, as the mere chance of finding one to rival its beauty, <em>let alone exceed it</em>, is inherently unlikely. Of <strong>INTENSE RARITY</strong> in such a lofty state of preservation. From the Mark and Lottie Salton Collection.<p>Ex: Vicomte de Sartiges Collection, # 60.
