thank you gents!
yes, this really is an interesting coin. the
style is different than most coins from Taras, sort of transitional
type from the old late-archaic
style of the earlier didrachms and fractions. it is peculiar denominationally too, as it only
ran for 20 years or so and there wouldn't be another coin of this
weight minted for over a hundred years (the Athena/Owl
types of the late third and early second centuries).
I also received this
diobol recently, a day late because my
dog scared the mailman away...
https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-148426this control mark is not listed for a
diobol in the
Vlasto catalog,
nor any other reference for Taras, making it a rather
scarce variety. i also haven't seen many online. I think that this
Athena portrait is very pretty, and the dark cabinet
toning really makes it look much better in hand.
~
Peter