MACEDON. Skione. Circa 480-470 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 23.5 mm, 16.46 g, 3 h). Head of Protesilaos to right, wearing Attic helmet [inscribed with retrograde ΠPOTEΣIΛAΣ on the base of the crest]. Rev. Σ-K/I-O Stern of galley to left; all within incuse square. ACGC 470. Dewing 1076. HGC 668. SNG ANS -. Traité I, 1629. Rare. Slightly porous surfaces, otherwise, very fine.
From the Trausnitz Collection, acquired from Athena Münzhandlung on 25 March 1998.

Why is Protesilaos wearing an Attic helmet that makes him look similar to Athena in the contemporary Athenian coins, when in smaller denominations of Skione the helmet is clearly of Corinthian type? Historically - and probably also iconographically - the minting of this stunning series can be linked with the affiliation of Skione with Athens and the Delian League.