It has traditionally been assumed that the hemihektes of Alyattes bore only one lion. However, as this incredible example clearly shows, the types are the same as those of its larger cousins, with two confronting lions and a legend between. With all six letters of the legend clearly displayed on the coin, this example possibly bears the most complete legend of any known Alyattes hemihekte, and is almost certainly the only specimen to show parts of both lions.
Kings of Lydia. temp. Alyattes EL Hemihekte - 1/12 Stater. Sardes, circa 610-560 BC. Lion’s head left with open jaws, solar-disk above forehead, confronting open jaws of lion’s head right; WALWET (in Lydian retrograde script) between / Incuse square punch. Weidauer 111 var; cf. Weidauer 99; lot 225 above (same dies). 1.17g, 7mm.
Extremely Rare. Clear and with an exceptionally legible inscription, with parts of both lions. The most complete example known. From an English collection, previously in that of Otto Liman von Sanders. Ex Roma 3, lot 280