Nomos 32

THRACO-MACEDONIAN TRIBES, Derrones. Circa 480-465 BC. Dodekadrachm (Silver, 36 mm, 31.19 g). Bearded male figure, wearing kausia and light robes, driving an ox cart to right, holding the reins in his left hand and a goad in his right; above, crested Corinthian helmet to right; below, floral ornament. Rev. Triskeles of legs to right. AMNG III/2, 10 var. =HPM pl. I, 12 var. = Topalov 9 var. = Traité 1, 1448 var. (all with no symbol below the ox). Very rare. Lightly toned and with minor edge breaks and a scuff on the reverse. Extremely fine.

From an American collection, and from the Spina Collection, Nomos 7, 15 May 2013, 34, ex Triton XI, 8 January 2008, 101.

The large coins of the Derrones were made solely as a way of exporting the abundant silver that was under their control. On the obverse is some form of rustic deity, perhaps Hermes given his broad hat, sitting in an equally rustic cart: it has a wickerwork frame mounted on a body and has broad, solid wheels strengthened with bands. This seems to be the best known example of the type; other examples struck from the same dies are: Gemini VIII, 2011, 24, NAC 54, 2010, 84 and Stack’s January 2010, 111.