LYDIA, Uncertain (Sardes?). 4th century BC. Æ 12mm, Rare.

LYDIA, Uncertain (Sardes?). 4th century BC. Æ 12mm, 2.1gm. Head of Dionysios left, wearing ivy wreath / Kantharos; F (in Lydian) and S (in Lydian) flanking. Vögtli, Pergamon 524; CNG E-248, lot 119 (Syros). Good VF, brown patina. Very rare.
Ex CNG lot 119 of Esale 248 ($650+BP)
In CNG sale above, this issue was attributed to Cycladic Syros. This issue has been attributed to both Cycladic Naxos and Syros in the past, but while both cities struck coins with the same types as on this issue, all of these cities’ bronzes consistently bear the first two letters of their respective ethnic underneath the base of the kantharos. On this issue, however, these Greek letters have been replaced by two Lydian letters, allowing its correct attribution to a mint in Lydia. Sardes is considered a likely candidate, as it’s spelling in Lydian was Sfard.