Kuprlli or Kherẽi: a Problem of Attribution or a Problem of Method?

Abstract

Since its appearance in about 2000, the Lycia 2000 hoard has focused critical attention
on the anepigraphic issue depicting a ‘lion attacking a bull’ (obverse) and ‘bull’ walking
right or left with triskeles above (reverse). The two series were separately attributed to the
rulers Kuprlli and Kherẽi. But these coins are attributable neither to Kuprlli nor Kherẽi.
Rather than argue for a new attribution, we need to be asking: What political, cultural or
economic reasons may there have been for the minting authority not to have identified
itself with an inscription — as was done on other contemporaneous issues?