Nomos 4

THESSALY, Thessalian League. Circa 470s-460s BC. Hemidrachm (Silver, 2.81 g 1). Forepart of prancing horse to right, emerging from rocks; on horse’s flank, traces of a brand mark, possibly Λ Rev. ΦΕΘΑ (retrograde) Head of bearded Herakles to right, wearing lion’s skin headdress; all within incuse square. Traité IV 603, pl. CCXCIV 5. Extremely rare. Beautifully toned and most attractive. Minor mark on the obverse, otherwise, about extremely fine.

A note from BCD: It appears to this writer that this brand mark was meant to be the same as that seen on lot 1002, above. The reverse of this coin features an exquisitely engraved and struck archaic head of Herakles, the work of a very gifted artist. When I was offered it through a friend, back in the 1960’s, I was told that a dealer had already made an offer for it that I had to match. Although my finances at the time hardly allowed for such an expense I mustered all the courage of a beginner collector and borrowed from wherever I could to acquire the coin. Looking at it now I can only be thankful for the many years of pleasure it gave me, and hope that its new owner will treasure it as much as I did.