THESSALY. Trikka. Third quarter of the 5th century BC. Hemiobol (Silver, 9 mm, 0.42 g, 3 h). Steer hoof. Rev. ΤΡΙ - Κ Horse's head to left; all within an incuse square. BCD -. Apparently unpublished, but see Liampi 50 for a stylistically related piece with a horse protome, not just a head, on the reverse. Extremely rare. An excellent, well-preserved, toned and attractive coin. Nearly extremely fine.
Apparently acquired prior to 2000, supposedly in Basel.
In some ways this coin is ridiculous! While sometimes very rare, the early to mid 5th century league coinage of Thessaly, coming from a number of separate mints, and all bearing clear mint names, is well-known; yet this piece is completely new! Stylistically, it is also an enigma since the horse head looks more at home in second half of the 5th century, rather in the first half, where all the usual pieces are found.
Price realized | 1'100 CHF |
Starting price | 600 CHF |
Estimate | 750 CHF |