GAUL, Massalia. 485-470 BC. Obol (Silver, 9 mm, 1.11 g), Milesian standard, 'Auriol'. Head of Herakles to right, wearing lion's skin headdress. Rev. Irregular incuse square. Furtwängler D 10. Maurel 14. Rare. Well-struck and attractively toned. Nearly extremely fine.

From the "Collection sans Pareille" of Ancient Greek Fractions.

The early coinage of Massalia, which dates back to the early 5th century BC, is especially interesting because it consists of what is essentially a typical series of minor silver denominations from Ionia (!), but one that was minted in the West, on the Mediterranean coast of Gaul. This coin, and the following 10 lots, are perfect examples of this early coinage.