Thrace. Abdera. 450-425 BC. AR Tetradrachm (14.47g, 5h). AMNG -; cf. May 151. Old cabinet tone. Perfectly centered and struck on a broad flan. Choice extremely fine. From a European private collection; former H.B collection, LHS 2008 (102) lot 103; Leu Numismatics 2000 (77) lot 134; Bank Leu 1981 (28) lot 56

The griffin is a legendary powerful and majestic creature with the body, tail, and back legs of a lion; the head and wings of an eagle. They were known since antiquity for guarding treasures and priceless possessions. The engraver has here allowed the abstract and decorative qualities of his subject to predominate, and has produced a deliciously curvaceous and flowing design, interwoven with anatomical details which succesfully depict this fanciful creature.