Coin, Helvetii, Stater
EF(40-45) - Electrum
Sold
Helvetii, Swiss area, Scyphate Stater, 2nd century BC, EF(40-45), Electrum.
Laureate head of Apollo to right
Remains of a biga to left, but devolved into a single horse with a driver above, 2 parallel lines below
Extremely rare stater. With a wide flan, well-centered, a grey patina and its good quality. Another stater of the same type but with a lower quality has been adjudicated to €6000 in 51 Gallery auction (29th of April 2015, Lot 10)
7.49 gr
An “EF(40-45)” quality
As in numismatics it is important that the state of conservation of an item be carefully evaluated before it is offered to a discerning collector with a keen eye.
This initially obscure acronym comprising two words describing the state of conservation is explained clearly here:
Extremely Fine
This means – more prosaically – that the coin has circulated well from hand to hand and pocket to pocket but the impact on its wear remains limited: the coins retains much of its mint luster, sharp detailing and little sign of being circulated. Closer examination with the naked eye reveals minor scratches or nicks.