Hellenistic Stater Weight

2nd century BC. A bronze square weight of stater type, decorated on the surface with the symbol of the Macedonian kingdom, Greek inscription surrounding, latticework pattern on the back. For discussion see Lang M. and Crosby M., The Athenian Agora, vol. X: Weights, Measures and Tokens, Princeton, The American School of Classical Studies at Athens, 1964. 131 grams, 60mm (2 1/4"). From an important central London collection formed since the mid 1960s; thence by descent. The fabric of this weight is very similar to 2nd and 1st century Seleucid weights, but they usually do not present the image of the Macedonian star. It perhaps refers to one of the last weight emissions following the demise of Macedonian dynasty and the rise of Roman power. In ancient Greece the stater was the main weight unit. This is proved not only by the existing fractional weights based on the bronze stater but also by the use of the unit in inscriptions recording payments for various amounts of weighed materials. There seems to be some evidence in archaeology that raw materials were bought by the stater and finished products by the mna: stater for miltos, glue and iron; mna for hinge-sockets and empolia.
Condition Report: Fine condition.