★ A splendid Tetradrachm of Abdera ★

Thrace. Abdera circa 415-395 BC. Heragores, magistrate
Tetradrachm AR

24 mm, 14,75 g

Griffin seated left, raising right foreleg / Hydria, wreathed with ivy, within linear square; EΠH PA-ΓO-PEΩ around; all within shallow incuse square.

Attractively toned, Near Extremely Fine

May, Abdera, Period V, Group LXXI, 201 var. (A164/P– [unlisted rev. die]); HGC 3, 1158 (same obv. die as illustration); Jameson 2457 (same obv. die).

Extremely Rare only one example noted by May & only one example auctioned in the past 3 decades. Cf. Triton XXVII, Lot 117 (8.500 $ Hammer). The tetradrachms of Abdera, a prominent ancient Greek city located in the region of Thrace, are notable for their distinctive iconography and historical significance. These silver coins, dating from the classical to the Hellenistic periods, serve as a testament to Abdera's economic prosperity and artistic achievements. One of the most remarkable features of these tetradrachms is the depiction of a griffin on the obverse and a hydria (a large water vessel) on the reverse, accompanied by the name of the magistrate Heragores. The griffin, a mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle, symbolizes strength, vigilance, and divine protection. Its representation on the tetradrachms of Abdera reflects the city's cultural and religious beliefs, as well as its connections to the wider Hellenistic world, where griffins were popular in art and mythology. The choice of the griffin as a motif also underscores the city's ties to the East and its participation in the dynamic cultural exchanges that characterized the ancient Mediterranean. On the reverse, the inclusion of a hydria not only highlights the importance of water as a fundamental resource but also may symbolize purification rituals or the city's prosperity. The presence of the magistrate's name, Heragores, around the hydria, is significant as it personalizes the coin, linking it directly to the city's governance and administrative practices at the time of minting. This practice of inscribing magistrate names on coinage was common in many Greek cities and served various purposes, including asserting authority, ensuring the quality of the coinage, and commemorating specific officials' tenures. The tetradrachms of Abdera, especially those associated with Heragores, offer valuable insights into the city's political, economic, and cultural landscape. These coins not only facilitated trade and commerce but also functioned as a medium for expressing civic pride and identity. The sophisticated artistry and symbolism embedded in the design of the tetradrachms reflect the rich cultural milieu of Abdera, its engagement with the broader Hellenistic world, and the pivotal role of coinage in ancient society as a nexus of economic activity and cultural expression