Nomos 8

THESSALY, Pelinna. First half of the 4th century BC, or earlier, perhaps the last quarter of the 5th. Drachm (Silver, 18mm, 6.20 g 10). Thessalian cavalryman, wearing petasos and chlamys, and holding a spear pointing backwards, riding to left on galloping horse; above, in tiny letters, ΑΙ; below horse, Α. Rev. [Π]ΕΛΙΝΝΑΙΚΟΝ (Νs retrograde) Warrior advancing left, his head turned back to right, wearing petasos and chlamys and with a sword in a scabbard held by a baldric, holding short spear in his right hand and a round shield, ornamented with a crescent, and two other spears in his left. BCD 1226 (this coin). Traité IV 527, pl. CCXC, 15. Very rare. A clear and well-centered example. Some minor marks and with a slightly rough surface, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.

From an American Collection and from the BCD Collection, Nomos 4, 10 May 2011, 1226.

The tiny letters on the obverse are probably magistrates’ control marks. The sculptural quality of the designs that appear on this coin is exceptionally fine; these coins usually appear in much poorer condition.