Thrace. Abdera. 395-360 BC. AR Stater (12.80g, 1h). May 393; Tradart 1991 (1) lot 68. Lightly toned. Perfectly centered and struck. Minor area of corrosion on obverse. A superb coin of charming late classical style. Choice extremely fine. From a private collection; former W.E collection; possibly from the 1986 Thrace hoard (CH 8.103)

The griffin is a legendary powerful and majestic creature with the body, tail and back legs of a lion, and the head and wings of an eagle. Like numismatists and collectors... they were known for guarding treasures! Here, the engraver has allowed the abstract and decorative qualities of his subject to predominate, producing a deliciously curvaceous and flowing design, interwoven with anatomical details which succesfully depict this fanciful creature.