ISLANDS OFF THRACE, Thasos. Early 2nd century BC. Hemidrachm (Silver, 15 mm, 1.69 g, 11 h). Head of bearded Dionysos to right, wearing ivy wreath. Rev. ΘΑΣΙ ΩΝ Club and legend within laurel wreath. Le Rider, Thasiennes 48. SNG Copenhagen 1036. SNG Lockett 1232. Rare. A bold example, better than those usually encountered; with a head of Dionysos of unusually fine style for the period. Very fine.

The coinage of Thasos was of great importance, especially in the late 6th and 5th centuries when it was used as a vehicle to exploit the wealth of silver produced by the mines the island controlled. Thasian coins were not only used in Thrace and Macedon, but were also exported to Asia and have been found as far away as Afghanistan and Egypt. The present coin was intended for purely local use and has been variously dated, ranging from the early 3rd to the early 2nd century BC: the latest research places it in the first quarter of the 2nd century.