The Most Expensive: Electrum Coins
Today, in our record section we go back to the beginning of coinage and present the ten most expensive electrum coins. There are still many mysteries revolving around these pieces made from an alloy of gold and silver – however, their beauty and aura are undeniable.
01Islands offshore from Ionia. Chios. Electrum stater, approx. 500 BC. “Of the highest rarity, only four specimens known of which this is by far the finest and the only one in private hands.” Extremely fine. From Numismatica Ars Classica auction 120 (2020), Lot 400.
02Mysia. Cyzicus. Electrum stater, approx. 500-475 BC. Excellent specimen. From the H. v. Aulock Collection. From Numismatica Genevensis auction 5 (2008), Lot 100.
03Mysia. Cyzicus. Electrum stater, approx. 550-475 BC. “Undoubtedly one of the finest electrum staters of Cyzicus in existence.” Almost FDC. From Numismatica Ars Classica auction 92 (2016), Lot 186.
04Mysia. Cyzicus. Electrum stater, approx. 475-410 BC. Excellent specimen. From Numismatica Genevensis auction 5 (2008), Lot 102.
05Unknown mint. Electrum stater, approx. 500-480 BC. Very fine. From Dix Noonan Webb auction A11 (2011), Lot 2003.
06Unknown mint in Ionia. Electrum stater, approx. 550 BC. “Of the greatest rarity, one of only two examples known.” Almost extremely fine. From Nomos auction 3 (2011), Lot 118.
07Ionia. Ephesus. Electrum stater, approx. 625-600 BC. Phanes. Very fine. “Among the four known staters of Phanes this is the second specimen in private possession.” From Gorny & Mosch auction 185 (2010), Lot 146.
08Unknown Greek colony in Asia Minor (Miletus?). Electrum stater, 600-550 BC. “Third and finest of the specimens known. A masterpiece of electrum coinage.” From Numismatica Genevensis auction 6 (2010), Lot 87.
09Carthage. Electrum tristater, around 260 BC. Unknown mint in Sicily. Extremely fine. From Numismatica Genevensis auction 10 (2018), Lot 25.
10Mysia. Cyzicus. Electrum stater, 360-340 BC. “Excellent specimen of powerful classical style.” From Numismatica Genevensis auction 6 (2010), Lot 81.
