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00001 Larissa Profile Left, Jason’s Sandal RightThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: Archaic representation of Larissa in profile to the l. All within a border of dots.
Rev: Jason’s sandal to the r., Λ - Α above. All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver obol; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 500 - 479 BC; Weight: .65g; Diameter: 10mm: Die axis: 210º; References, for example: Weber 2826, pl. 109; Herrmann Group 1 Obolen; SNG Cop 90; BCD Thessaly I 1098 (this coin); HGC 4, 404.
Provenance: Ex. Numismatica Ars Classica Auction 133 Lot 53 21 Nov 2022, from the collection of “A Man In Love With Art.”; Ex. BCD Thessaly Nomos AG Auction 4 Lot 1098 May 10, 2011.
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Photo Credits: Numismatica Ars ClassicaTracy Aiello
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000011 Larissa Profile Left Double Headed Axe in Front, Jason’s Sandal RightThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: Larissa in profile to the l., double headed ax before. All within a border of dots.
Rev: Jason’s sandal to the r., Λ - Α above. All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver obol; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 490 - 480 BC????; Weight: .86g; Diameter: 10mm: Die axis: 120º; References, for example: Weber 2826, var. sandal l.; Traité p. 1011 no. 1415 pl. XLIII 6, var. legend ΛΑRΙ, sandal l., Ξ below; SNG Cop 90, var. no mention of ax; Kagan 2004, p. 85, pl. 1, 4, legend? var. sandal l.; BCD Thessaly II 140, var. sandal l., square within incuse, legend ΛΑRΙ retrograde and upside down, H on groundline; HGC 4, 403, legend retrograde and upside down var. sandal l.
Provenance: Ex. Roma Numismatics Ltd. E-Sale 177 Lot 69 February 22, 2024; Ex. Roma Numismatics Ltd. E-Sale 107 Lot 145 March 16, 2023; Ex. Roma Numismatics Ltd. E-Sale 94 Lot 61 February 24, 2022; Ex. Roma Numismatics Ltd. E-Sale 37 Lot 80 June 24, 2017; Ex. Roma Numismatics Ltd. E-Sale 12 Lot 592 November 1, 2014.
Photo Credits: Roma Numismatics Ltd.
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0001 Bull Hoof (Seen From Below) and Bridled Horse Facing LeftThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: bull hoof seen from below. All within a border of dots.
Rev: ΛΑ in front and down to the l., head and neck of a bridled horse l. All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver hemiobol; Mint: Larissa; Date: 462 - 460 BC1; Weight: .40g; Diameter: 7.8mm: Die axis: 0º; References, for example: Liampi Corpus Group II 2 (V2/R1); Triton XIV 103; BCD Thessaly 1107.
Notes:
1This is the date provided in BCD Thessaly and Triton XIV.
Provenance: Ex Apollo Numismatics July 4, 2020.
Photo Credits: Apollo Numismatics
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Tracy Aiello
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0002 Bull Protome Facing Right and Bridled Horse Facing RightThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: bull head and neck r., head turned to face the viewer. All within a border of dots.
Rev: ΑΛ upwards, head and neck of bridled horse r. All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver obol; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 462 - 460 BC1; Weight: .89g; Diameter: 10mm: Die axis: 90º; References, for example: Herrmann Group III Series A pl. I, 20 var. head and neck facing l.; Liampi Corpus 18 (V10/R11) pl. 4, 36; BCD Thessaly II 148; HGC 4, 477.
Notes:
1This is the date given in HGC 4.
Provenance: Ex Roma Numismatics E-Sale 70 Lot 433 April 7, 2020; Ex Roma Numismatics E-Sale 52 Lot 144 January 10, 2019. From a private UK collection.
Photo Credits: Roma Numismatics
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00021 Bull Protome Facing Left and Bridled Horse Facing RightThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: bull head and neck l., head turned to face the viewer. All within a border of dots.
Rev: ΑΛ upwards, head and neck of bridled horse r. All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver obol; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 462/1 - 460 BC1; Weight: .93g; Diameter: 10mm: Die axis: 70º; References, for example: BMC Thessaly p. 24 no. 4, pl. IV no. 7; Hunterian p. 451 no. 1; Traité I ii, 1416, pl. XLIII, 7; Pozzi 1207; Weber 2828; Herrmann Group III A Obolen, pl. I, 20; McClean 4586, pl. on p. 173, 13 ; SNG Cop 96; SGCV I 2105; SNG Ashmolean 3858; Liampi Corpus 15 V7/R9 b, pl. 4, 26; BCD Thessaly I 1105; BCD Thessaly II 147; HGC 4, 476.
Notes:
1This is the date given in BCD Thessaly I.
Provenance: Ex Gerhard Hirsch Nachfolger Auction 371 Lot 1082.
Photo Credits: Gerhard Hirsch Nachfolger
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00022 Bull Protome Facing Left, Dolphin above, and Bridled Horse Facing RightThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: bull head and neck l., head turned to face the viewer, dolphin facing l. above. All within a border of dots.
Rev: ΛΑ upwards, head and neck of bridled horse r. All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver obol; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 462/1 - 460 BC1; Weight: .6g; Diameter: 10mm: Die axis: 90º; References, for example: Herrmann Group III A Obolen; Liampi 1996, p. 104 no. 16 (V8 - R10), pl. 4 no. 31, 32, and 33; SNG München 44; BCD Thessaly I 1106; BCD Thessaly II 146; HGC 4, 476.
Notes:
1This is the date given in BCD Thessaly I.
Provenance: Ex. Nomos AG Obolos 28 Lot 127 July 2, 2023
Photo Credits: Nomos AG
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0003 Hero Wrestling Bull Protome Facing Left with Lotus Flower and Bridled Horse Facing RightThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: bull head and neck l., head turned to face the viewer, on the r. and behind half figure of the hero Thessalos1 to l., grasping the bull by the horns. Lotus flower above. All within border of dots.
Rev: Λ-ΑR-Ι in front and above (retrograde), head and neck of bridled horse r. All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver obol; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 462/1 - 460 BC2; Weight: .86g; Diameter: 10mm: Die axis: 210º; References, for example: Liampi Corpus p. 101, IA (V1-R1), pl. 4, 1 and 2 and 3; BCD Thessaly I 1103.
Notes:
1Considered the ancestor of all Thessalians. The figure is also sometimes considered to be Jason (of Jason and the Argonauts), who according to one tradition was the father of Thessalos (HGC 4, p. 132).
2This is the date given in BCD Thessaly I.
Provenance: Ex Leu Numismatik February 27, 2021, From a European collection formed before 2005.
Photo Credits: Leu Numismatik
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Tracy Aiello
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0004 Hero Wrestling Bull Protome Facing Right and Bridled Horse Facing RightThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: bull head and neck r., head turned to face the viewer, on the l. and behind half figure of the hero Thessalos1 to r. with l. arm over the bull's neck and r. hand below the bull's muzzle. All within border of dots.
Rev:[Λ]Α r. and upwards, head and neck of bridled horse r. All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver obol; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 460 - 440 BC2; Weight: 1.01g; Diameter: 11mm: Die axis: 180º; References, for example: Liampi Corpus p. 102, 6 (V4-R5), Pl. 4, 13 and 14; BCD Thessaly II 353.3; HGC 4, 480.
Notes:
1Considered the ancestor of all Thessalians. The figure is also sometimes considered to be Jason (of Jason and the Argonauts), who according to one tradition was the father of Thessalos (HGC 4, p. 132).
2This is the date given in HGC 4.
Provenance: Ex Numismatik-Naumann November 14, 2020.
Photo Credits: Numismatik-Naumann
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Tracy Aiello
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00041 Hero Wrestling Bull Protome Facing Left and Bridled Horse Facing RightThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: bull head and neck l., head turned to face the viewer, on the r. and behind half figure of the hero Thessalos to l. with r. arm over the bull’s neck and l. hand below the bull’s muzzle. All within border of dots.
Rev: ΑΛ r. and upwards, head and neck of bridled horse r. All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver obol; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 460 - 440 BC; Weight: 1.03g; Diameter: 10.5mm: Die axis: 270º; References, for example: Liampi Corpus p. 102 no. 4b (V3-R3) for weight and die axis, pl. 4, 8 for depiction; SNG München 43; BCD Thessaly II 353.2; HGC 4 479.
Provenance: Ex CGB Numismatics January 2, 2023.
Photo Credits: CGB Numismatics
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000411 Horse Prancing Right, Larissa Left Bouncing BallThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: horse prancing r. All within a border of dots.
Rev: Λ - Α (lower l. corner, upper r. corner) Larissa walking l. wearing Chiton, l. hand lowered behind her and bouncing a ball in front of her with raised r. hand. All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver obol; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 460 - 440 BC; Weight: .99g; Diameter: 10mm: Die axis: 180º; References, for example: Imhoof-Blumer Nymphen: p. 69 no. 186 pl. V no. 18; Herrmann Group II b 𝛃 pl. I 16; Traité IV, 654 var. legend placement, Larissa r., pl. CCXCVI, 11; BCD Thessaly I 1111 (this coin); HGC 4 486.
Provenance: Ex. Numismatica Ars Classica Auction 124 Lot 111 June 23, 2021, from the collection of “A Man In Love With Art.”; Ex. BCD Thessaly Nomos AG Auction 4 Lot 1111 May 10, 2011; Ex. Leu Numismatik 50 Lot 127 April 25, 1990.
Photo Credits: Numismatica Ars Classica
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Tracy Aiello
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0005 Horse Prancing Right, Larissa Seated Left on HydriaThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: Ο𐌔 above, horse prancing r. on groundline. All within a border of dots.
Rev: ΛA above and l., PI𐌔A in front and down (retrograde), Larissa seated l. on overturned hydria with its mouth to the r. and one side handle facing viewer, l. hand on l. knee and r. hand extended, having kicked the ball to l. on ground.1 All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver obol; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 460 - 400 BC2; ; Weight: .93g; Diameter: 12mm: Die axis: 90º; References, for example: Imhoof-Blummer p. 72, 200, pl. V, 30; Herrmann Group III F/G, IIIβ Obolen Reverse VII, pl. III, 11; SNG Cop 115; Liampi 1992, 8; SNG München 59; BCD Thessaly I 1115; BCD Thessaly II 164 and 363.1; HGC 4, 491.
Notes:
1Imhoof-Blumer and Herrmann both state that Larissa is binding her sandal while Liampi 1992 notes that she is either binding or loosening her sandal. There is no mention of kicking the ball. In my description I follow BCD Thessaly I, II, and HGC because I assume that Larissa would use two hands instead of one if she were either tightening or loosening her sandal.
2This date range encompases the dates expressed in my listed references.
Provenance: Ex. CNG Triton XXV January 11 - 12, 2022 Lot 177.
Photo Credits: CNG
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Tracy Aiello
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0006 Rider and Larissa SeatedThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: Rider on a horse prancing r. on groundline, holding a single spear transversally with petasos flying backwards and chlamys on his back, beneath horse's belly a lion's head facing r. Border of dots or small grains.1
Rev: The nymph Larissa2 seated r. on a chair with a back ending in a swan's head, r. hand resting on her lap or thigh and holding a phiale, l. arm raised with palm forward,3 Λ and Α above to l. and r. of head with R and Ι to r. of body turned 90º and downward, all within a shallow incuse square.
Denomination: silver trihemiobol; Mint: Larissa; Date: mid- to late 5th Century BC4; Weight: 1.28g5; Diameter: 13mm; Die axis: 60º; References, for example: BMC Thessaly p. 25, 13; Warren 687 var. No mention of lion's head; Weber 2838; Traité IV, 651, pl. CCXCVI, 9; Herrmann Group II, pl. I, 7; Boston MFA 875 var. no lion's head and reference to two spears; Lorber 2008 pl. 41, 5; BCD Thessaly II 154; HGC 4, 466.
Notes:
1Forrer, BCD Thessaly II, and Hoover refer to the border as composed of dots; Babelon refers to the border as composed of small grains.
2Herrmann does not associate the figure on the reverse with the nymph Larissa. Instead he refers to the figure as a "sitting male" and cites two examples from Berlin and Warren 687 as having the indication of beards (p.9). He declares that the meaning [interpretation] of the sitter cannot be determined, but he invites us to think of a deity (p. 11). Brett in Boston MFA follows Herrmann's interpretation.
3Forrer and BCD Thessaly II state that Larissa is holding a mirror, Hoover mentions only that the arm is raised, Babelon indicates that the left arm is raised with palm forward, and Herrmann describes the left hand as raised in an "adoring gesture". On the coin here the left hand clearly has the thumb separated from the rest of the fingers with the palm facing forward; there is no indication that the hand is holding anything. I wonder what the intention of the gesture could have been.
4Dates in the sources cited here run the gamut of the 5th Century BC. Herrmann: c. 500 - 479 BC; Babelon: c. 470 - 430 BC; HGC: c. 440 - 420 BC; Forrer: c. 430 - 400 BC. In light of Kagen (2004) and his belief that Herrmann's Group I ended c. 460 BC it seems appropriate to choose the date range specified in BCD Thessaly II.
5Herrmann argues that Group II was struck on the Persian weight standard. (He believed that the same held true for Group I). Kagan (2004) demonstrates that Larissain coinage was not struck on the Persian weight standard.
The city of Larissa was named after the local water nymph, said to be the daughter of Pelasgos. He was said to be the ancestor of the pre-Greek Pelasgians. According to myth Larissa drowned while playing ball on the banks of the Peneios river. (HGC 4 p. 130).
Provenance: Ex Nomos AG December 8, 2019.
Photo Credits: Nomos AG
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0007 Horse Prancing Right Lion’s Head Right, Lion’s Head Spout Right Larissa Right Balancing HydriaThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: horse prancing r., lion's head above facing r. All within a border of dots.
Rev: Λ-Α above l. to r., R-[I] in front and downwards, Larissa standing r. and balancing hydra on her raised l. knee, behind is a spout in the form of a lion's head from which pours water. All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver obol; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 440 - 420 BC1; Weight: .95g; Diameter: 11.5mm: Die axis: 0º; References, for example: BMC Thessaly p. 25, 15; Imhoof-Blumer Nymphen: p. 69 no. 184 pl. V no. 16; Herrmann Group II pl. I 14 and 15; McClean II 4600 var. horse standing, no mention of lion's head on obv.; SNG München 54 and 55 var. lion’s head on obv. interpreted as a Lotus flower; Lorber 2008 pl. 41, 6; BCD Thessaly II 358.1; HGC 4, 482 var. horse standing and no mention of water pouring from the lion's head spout.
Notes:
1This is the date given in HGC 4
Provenance: Ex Nomos Obolos 15 Webauction Lot 169 May 24, 2020.
Photo Credits: Nomos AG
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00071 Horse Prancing Left Lion’s Head Left, Lion’s Head Spout Right Larissa Right Balancing HydriaThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: horse prancing l., lion’s head above facing l. [protruding tongue or stream of water?]. All within a border of dots.
Rev: [Λ]-Α above l. to r., R-I in front and downwards, Larissa standing r. and balancing hydra on her raised l. knee, behind is a spout in the form of a lion’s head from which pours water. All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver obol; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 440 - 420 BC1; Weight: .95g; Diameter: 13 mm: Die axis: 270º; References, for example: Herrmann Group II b 𝛼, pl. I 13; BCD Thessaly I 1433.5 var. no lion’s head above horse; BCD Thessaly II 160; HGC 4 483.
Notes:
1This is the date given in HGC 4
Provenance: Ex Dr. Busso Peus Nachf. December 10, 2023
Photo Credits: Dr. Busso Peus Nachf.
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0008 Thessalos Wrestling Bull Left, Horse Prancing RightThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: The hero Thessalos1 to l. naked, except for chlamys and petasos both attached to his neck by a cord and flying in the air, wrestling a bull charging l., plant to l. and below between Thessalos' legs, [TO in exergue?]. All within a border of dots.
Rev: ΛΑ above, ΡΙΣΑ below (retrograde), bridled horse prancing r. with loose rein. All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver drachm; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 440 - 420 BC2; Weight: 5.47g; Diameter: 19.5mm: Die axis: 90º; References, for example: Weber 2834 var. no mention of plant between legs or TO in obv. exergue; Herrmann Group III Series C pl. II, 1; BCD Thessaly I 1123 var. reverse legend; BCD Thessaly II 366.1; HGC 4, 416 var. no mention of plant between legs.
Notes:
1Considered the ancestor of all Thessalians. The figure is also sometimes considered to be Jason (of Jason and the Argonauts), who according to one tradition was the father of Thessalos (HGC 4, p. 132).
2This is the date given in HGC 4. According to Lorber 2008 this coin should be placed in the revived bull wrestling drachm coinage, beginning c. 450 - 440 BC.
Provenance: Ex CNG Electronic Auction 465 Lot 74 April 8, 2020 (from the Frank M. Martin collection)
Photo Credits: CNG
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0009 Thessalos Wrestling Bull Right, Horse Prancing RightThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: The hero Thessalos1 to r. naked, except for chlamys around his shoulders and petasos, flying in the air, attached to his neck by a cord, holding with both hands a band that is around the forehead of a bull leaping r. All within a border of dots (not here visible).
Rev: ΛΑΡΙ above, Σ to the r. (not here visible), ΙΑ below (not here visible), bridled horse with trailing rein prancing r., no ground line. All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver drachm; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 420 - 400 BC2; Weight: 6.06g; Diameter: 18mm: Die axis: 270º; References, for example: Lorber 2008, pl. 43, 59 (same dies); BCD Thessaly II 372.7 (same dies); HGC 4, 423 (same obv.).
Notes:
1Considered the ancestor of all Thessalians. The figure is also sometimes considered to be Jason (of Jason and the Argonauts), who according to one tradition was the father of Thessalos (HGC 4, p. 132).
2This is the date given in HGC 4. According to Lorber 2008 this coin should be placed in the revived bull wrestling drachm coinage, beginning c. 450 - 440 BC.
This type is related to the Thessalian sport of bull wrestling (taurokathapsia) "...regularly showcased at the Taureia games honoring Poseidon Taureios." (HGC 4, p. 132).
Provenance: Ex Shanna Schmidt Numismatics May 28, 2019; from the BCD collection, reportedly found 8 kms west of Pharsalus, May 1997.
Photo credits: Shanna Schmidt Numismatics
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00091 Thessalos Wrestling Bull Left, Horse Galloping RightThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: The hero Thessalos1 to l. naked, except for chlamys around his shoulders and petasos, flying in the air, attached to his neck by a cord, holding with both hands the head of a bull leaping l. All within a border of dots.
Rev: ΛΑΡΙ above to the r., ΣΑΙΑ below to the r., bridled horse galloping r., ground line. All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver drachm; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 420 - 400 BC2; Weight: 5.83g; Diameter: 19mm: Die axis: 180º; References, for example: Herrmann Group III Series H Rev. I; BCD Thessaly II 174; HGC 4, 420.
Notes:
1Considered the ancestor of all Thessalians. The figure is also sometimes considered to be Jason (of Jason and the Argonauts), who according to one tradition was the father of Thessalos (HGC 4, p. 132).
2This is the date given in HGC 4. According to Lorber 2008 this coin should be placed in the revived bull wrestling drachm coinage, beginning c. 450 - 440 BC.
Provenance: Ex Gorny and Mosch Auction 269 Lot 298
March 3, 2020; Ex Gorny & Mosch Auction 212 Lot 1461 March 5 and 6, 2013
Photo credits: Gorny and Mosch
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00092 Horse Prancing Left, Larissa Right with Wreath and BallThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: Horse prancing l. on ground line. ΟΣ above with the Σ reversed. All within border of dots.
Rev: Larissa standing on ground line facing the viewer, head turned l. [viewer’s .r], wreath in raised l. hand and ball in lowered r. hand. On r. ΛΑ upwards, on l. ΡΙΣΑ downwards and retrograde. All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver obol; Mint: Larissa; Date: 420 - 400 BC1; Weight: .98g; Diameter: 12mm: Die axis: 330º; References, for example: Imhoof-Blummer p. 71, 193/pl. V, 25; Herrmann Group III Small Denominations under E, III 𝛂 Obols rev. II, pl. II, 20; BCD Thessaly II 364.3; HCG 495.
Notes:
1This is the date given in HGC 4.
Provenance: Ex. Numismatica Ars Classica Auction 123 May 9, 2021; Ex CNG e-sale 252, March 23, 2011 lot 46.
Photo Credits: Numismatica Ars Classica
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00093 Horse Prancing Right, Larissa Left with Wreath and BallThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: Horse prancing r. on ground line. Ο[𐌔] above. All within border of dots.
Rev: Larissa standing on ground line facing the viewer, head turned r. [viewer's l.], wreath in raised r. hand and ball in lowered l. hand. On l. and below an A, on r. and downward ΛΑΡΙ𐌔. All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver obol; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 420 - 400 BC1; Weight: 1.00g; Diameter: 13mm: Die axis: 0º; References, for example: BCD Thessaly II 363.3 and 364.1 [this coin]; HGC 4, 496.
Notes:
1This is the date given in HGC 4.
Provenance: Ex Dr. Martina Dieterle March 22, 2021; Ex BCD Thessaly, January 3, 2012.
Photo Credits: Dr. Martina Dieterle
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000931 Horse Prancing Left, Larissa Left With Hydra In Front On GroundThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv:horse prancing l. on groundline. 𐌔Ο above. All within border of dots.
Rev: ΛΑΡ r. and down, Ι𐌔Α l. and up, Larissa standing facing l., r. hand raised, l. hand lowered downward behind her and holding wreath, hydria standing on ground in front on l. All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver obol; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 420 - 400 BC1; Weight: .95g; Diameter: 14mm: Die axis: 160º; References, for example: Warren 694 var. legend and horse r.; Traité IV, 685 var. legend and horse r., pl. CCXCVII, 18; Boston MFA 883 var. legend and horse r., pl. 48, 883; Liampi 1992, 11 var. horse r.2; BCD Thessaly II 363.4 var. legend and horse r.; HGC 4 493 var. legend and horse r.
Notes:
1This is the date given in HGC 4.
2Liampi 1992 does not provide a legend with the reference.
Provenance: Ex. Numismatik Naumann Auction 106 Lot 148 August 1, 2021.
Photo Credits: Numismatik Naumann
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00094 Horse Prancing Left, Larissa Playing With BallThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: horse prancing l. on ground line. All within a border of dots.
Rev: Larissa standing l., tossing a ball with her r. hand and pulling up her dress with her l. hand, ΛΑΡ r. and downwards, ΙΣΑ l. and downwards. All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver obol; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 420 - 400 BC1; Weight: 0.86g; Diameter: 10mm: Die axis: 270º; References, for example: Traité IV, 679, pl. CCXCVII, 12 var. horse prancing r.; Hermann Group III Small Denominations under F and G, III β Obols rev. I, pl. III, 12; SNG Cop vol 11, 114; BCD Thessaly II 161; HGC 4, 499 var. legend is Λ-Α-Ρ-Ι.
Notes:
1This is the date given in HGC 4
Provenance: Ex London Ancient Coins November 14, 2020.
Photo Credits: London Ancient Coins
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Tracy Aiello
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00095 Facing Head of Larissa - AI SignedThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: Head of the nymph Larissa facing ¾ l., wearing ampyx with ΓΕΥ inscription (not visible)1, hair floating freely above head, tiny IA above top locks of hair (off of flan), prominent raised right shoulder2 (garment clasp visible?), spherical earring with bead pendant. Border of dots.
Rev: Horse crouching r., bucranium brand on haunch, forelegs spread, raised tail (off of flan), tiny AI under belly3, reign trails into exergue with exergue line sloping downward under horse's muzzle, ΛΑΡΙΣΑΙ directly below exergue line with ΣΑΙ breaking into that line.
Denomination: silver drachm; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 405/400 BC - c. 370 BC4; Weight: 6.11g; Diameter: 19mm; Die axis: 90º; References, for example: SNG Cop vol. 11, 126; Herrmann Group VII, Series I, Reverse II, pl. VI, 16 and 19; HGC 4, 434; Lorber - Shahar Group 3 Head Type 14 (O35/R2 - Sp. b, this very coin) = Florilegium Numismaticum Group One Head Type 11 with Reverse 21.2 - Sp. b (this very coin).
Notes:
1Lorber presumes that these letters are "...an abbreviated epithet of the nymph Larissa." (Lorber Early in FlorNum, p. 261).
2Lorber invites us to interpret this "distinctive gesture" as the nymph "...tossing her ball, an action regularly depicted on trihemiobols and obols of the fifth century." (Lorber Early in FlorNum, p. 262).
3Lorber understands these letters to be the signature of the mint's chief engraver, who replaced ΣΙΜΟ. See Lorber Early in FlorNum, p. 261.
4This is the date range provided in Lorber 2008, p. 126.
The city of Larissa was named after the local water nymph, said to be the daughter of Pelasgos. He was said to be the ancestor of the pre-Greek Pelasgians. According to myth Larissa drowned while playing ball on the banks of the Peneios river. (HGC 4 p. 130).
Provenance: Ex Shanna Schmidt Numismatics October 30, 2019; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica Auction 29, May 11, 2005, lot 176; Ex Numismatic Fine Arts Auction XXXIII, May 3, 1994, lot 929.
Photo credits: Shanna Schmidt Numismatics
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Tracy Aiello
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00096 Facing Head of Larissa - AI Signed Auction CatalogNumismatic Fine Arts Auction XXXIII, May 3, 1994, lot 929.
Photo credits: Shanna Schmidt NumismaticsTracy Aiello
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000961 Thessalos Wrestling Bull Forepart Left, Horse Forepart Galloping RightThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: The hero Thessalos to l. naked, except for chlamys and petasos both attached to his neck by a cord and flying in the air, wrestling a bull forepart charging l. All within a border of dots.
Rev: Λ above, Α in front, Ρ under horse’s belly, Ι under horse’s raised r. leg, bridled horse forepart galloping r. All within incuse square.
Denomination: silver hemidrachm; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 400 - 350 BC1; Weight: 3.01g; Diameter: 15mm: Die axis: 150º; References, for example: Herrmann Group III C, pl. II, 4; Traité IV, 646, pl. CCXCVI, 4; McClean II 4593, var. ΣΟ retrograde on obv., pl. on p. 172, no. 20; Lorber 2008 Series 3, 11.O7/R7 and 12.O8/R7 var. Ｙ𝚪 below hero’s legs, pl. 42 nos. 26 and 27 respectively; BCD Thessaly II 375.2 var. ΣΟ retrograde on obv.; HGC 4, 460.
Notes:
1This is the date provided in BCD Thessaly II.
Provenance: Ex Shanna Schmidt Numismatics February 17, 2022, Ex Myntauktion I Sverige AB Auction 12, September 19 - 20, 2014 Lot 67.
Photo Credits: Shanna Schmidt Numismatics
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000962 Thessalos Wrestling Bull Forepart Right, Plant, Horse Forepart Galloping RightThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: The hero Thessalos to r. naked, except for chlamys and petasos both attached to his neck by a cord and flying in the air, wrestling a bull forepart charging r. Plant to the r. on (and below?) groundline. All within a border of dots.
Rev: Λ above on l., Α in front on r., ΡΙΣΑ in front and down, IO[N] underneath leftward, bridled horse forepart galloping r. All within a shallow incuse square.
Denomination: silver hemidrachm; Mint: Larissa; Date:400 - 350 BC1; Weight: 2.95g; Diameter: 16mm: Die axis: 180º; References, for example: Lorber 2008 Series 6 O15/R19, pl. 42 no. 40; BCD Thessaly II 374.2; HGC 4, 461.
Notes:
1This is the date provided in BCD Thessaly II.
Provenance: Ex. London Ancient Coins November 9, 2022.
Photo Credits: London Ancient Coins
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00097 Facing Head of LarissaThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: Head of the nymph Larissa facing slightly r., wearing ampyx, pendant earring, and wire necklace. Border of dots.
Rev: reverse horse crouching l., l. foreleg raised, preparing to roll and lie down. ΛAPI above horse and ΣAIΩN in the exergue.
Denomination: silver drachm; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 380 - 365 BC1; Weight: 5.812g; Diameter: 20.8mm; Die axis: 90º; References, for example: BCD Thessaly I 1149; BCD Thessaly II 283; McClean 4623; HGC 4, 441; Lorber - Shahar, Middle Series 1 Type A (O1/R42
Notes:
1This is the date range stated in BCD Thessaly I.
2Unfortunately this website no longer functions and it will not be brought back up (Catharine Lorber, personal communication, September 7, 2018).
The city of Larissa was named after the local water nymph, said to be the daughter of Pelasgos. He was said to be the ancestor of the pre-Greek Pelasgians. According to myth Larissa drowned while playing ball on the banks of the Peneios river. (HGC 4 p. 130).
Provenance: Ex Forum Ancient Coins November 5, 2018
Photo credits: Forum Ancient Coins
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00098 Larissa Profile Left, Horse Prancing RightThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: [ΛAPlΣA in small letters l. and up], head of Larissa facing l., hair bound at top of head, triple drop earring, pearl necklace. All within a border of dots.
Rev: Bridled horse with tail in an upright curl prancing r. on ground line, ΛAP above, I in front of horse’s head, ΣAI down and in front, ΩN up and behind.
Denomination: silver drachm; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 370 - 360 BC1; Weight: 5.78g; Diameter: 19mm: Die axis: 330º; References, for example: Hermann Group V, pl. IV, 16; Liampi 1992, 25; Lorber 2008, pl. 45, 100; BCD Thessaly I 1133; BCD Thessaly II 183; HGC 4, 448.
Notes:
1This date range fits within BCD Thessaly I and II, Lorber 2008, and HGC 4.
Despite the absence of ΛAPlΣA in tiny letters in front of Larissa’s head (with 25x magnification I can detect what are perhaps very, very faint indications of parts of the legend), the shape of the mouth, the chin, and the stray lock of hair in front of Larissa’s forehead lead me to determine that this is an example of BCD Thessaly I 1133 and II 183 and not 1134 and 184 respectively. Thus, this is an example of, per BCD Thessaly I and Lorber 2008, Larissa’s profile in the style of Euainetos at Syracuse.
Provenance: Ex. CNG Electronic Auction 505 December 1, 2021 Lot 124, from the Sigmund collection.
Photo Credits: CNG
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Tracy Aiello
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000981 Bull Leaping Right, Horse and Rider Galloping RightThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: ΛΑΡΙΣΑΙON above, bull leaping r., horizontal groundline. All within a border of dots.
Rev: Thessalian horseman (Thessalos?) wearing a tunic, petasos, and a chlamys fluttering to the l., holding a goad in his r. hand on a horse galloping r.
Denomination: silver drachm; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 370 - 356 BC; Weight: 6.05g; Diameter: 20mm: Die axis: 0º; References, for example: BMC Thessaly p. 29 no. 54, pl. V, 13 var. Ω instead of O in legend; Pozzi 1229; Weber 2856, p. 110 var. Ω instead of O in legend; Hermann Group VI, pl. IV, 17 and 18 var. Ω instead of O in legend; McClean 4610, pl. on p. 173, 6; Traité IV 698, pl. CCXCVIII, 9; SNG Lockett 1566, var. Ω instead of O in legend; SNG Cop 118; SNG Ashmolean 3871; Lorber 2008, pl. 46, 101; BCD Thessaly I 1136; BCD Thessaly II 186 var. Ω instead of O in legend; HGC 4, 449.
Provenance: Ex. CNG Feature Auction 121 October 6, 2022, Lot 234, from the Weise Collection; Ex. Daniel Koppersmith Collection CNG Triton XVII January 7, 2014, Lot 195; Ex. BCD Collection Classical Numismatic Group Auction 90 May 23, 2012, Lot 94; Ex. Leu 30 April 28, 1982, Lot 100.
Photo Credits: Classical Numismatic Group, LLC.
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Tracy Aiello
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00099 Facing Head of LarissaThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: Head of the nymph Larissa 3/4 facing l., wearing ampyx flanked by two hornlike locks, round curl to the l. of the head1; earring on the r. (?), wearing wire necklace (?). Border of dots.
Rev: Horse crouching r., l. foreleg raised and bent (parallel with the lower part of the hind legs), preparing to roll, ΛAPIΣ above horse and AIΩN in the exergue.
Denomination: silver drachm; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 356 - 346 BC2; Weight: 6.05g; Diameter: 19mm; Die axis: 130º; References, for example: Lorber Hoard, Phase L-III; SNG COP 121.
Notes:
1On p. 10 of Lorber Hoard Catharine Lorber observes that on later Phase L-III head types the round curl to the left of the head "...tends to evolve into a long wavy lock scarcely different from the others above and below it." Therefore, perhaps this coin falls earlier in Phase L-III.
2This is the date range given in Lorber Hoard, p. 11. She states that the Third Sacred War must have been the historical context for the intensive Phase L-III drachm production.
The city of Larissa was named after the local water nymph, said to be the daughter of Pelasgos. He was said to be the ancestor of the pre-Greek Pelasgians. According to myth Larissa drowned while playing ball on the banks of the Peneios river. (HGC 4 p. 130).
Provenance: Ex Harlan J. Berk Ltd. June 28, 2019; Ex Pegasi Auction, A22, lot 117 April 20, 2010.
Photo credits: Harlan J. Berk Ltd.
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000991 Facing Head of LarissaThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: Head of the nymph Larissa facing slightly l., round curl to the l. of the head, wearing ampyx flanked by two hornlike locks, a pendant earring, and a simple necklace.
Rev: Horse crouching r., l. foreleg raised and bent (almost parallel with belly/ground), preparing to roll. ΛAPIΣ above horse and AIΩN in the exergue.
Denomination: silver drachm; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 356 - 342 BC1; Weight: 5.920g; Diameter: 19.2mm; Die axis: 135º; References, for example: Lorber Hoard, pl. 3, 27 (same dies); BCD Thessaly I 11582; BCD Thessaly II 316; HGC 4, 4543.
Notes:
1This is the date range stated in BCD Thessaly I. This coin appears to fall within Lorber's Phase Late II or Phase Late III. See Lorber Hoard and Lorber 2008.
2The coin referenced in this auction catalogue is actually a silver stater, but in discussing the coin the catalogue states that the earliest Larissian staters "...bear the normal types of a drachm...."
3The picture of the coin in this reference does not show the foreleg raised and bent, but the entry does reference BCD Thessaly II, lots 312 - 320, which matches one of the references here.
The city of Larissa was named after the local water nymph, said to be the daughter of Pelasgos. He was said to be the ancestor of the pre-Greek Pelasgians. According to myth Larissa drowned while playing ball on the banks of the Peneios river. (HGC 4 p.. 130).
Provenance: Ex Forum Ancient Coins October 31, 2018; from the BCD collection, with his tag noting "Thz. G/ni ex Thess., Apr. 94, SFr. 100.-"
Photo credits: Forum Ancient Coins
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Tracy Aiello
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000992 Facing Head of LarissaThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: Head of the nymph Larissa facing slightly l., round curl to the l. of he head, wearing ampyx flanked by two hornlike locks, a pendant earring represented by three pellets in a vertical line, and a simple necklace.
Rev: Horse crouching r., l. foreleg raised and bent (almost parallel with belly/ground), preparing to roll, small plant (control mark) below. ΛAPIΣ above horse and AIΩN in the exergue.
Denomination: silver drachm; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 356 - 342 BC1; Weight: 5.869g; Diameter: 18.3mm; Die axis: 0º; References, for example: BMC Thessaly p. 30, 61; BCD Thessaly I 1156; BCD Thessaly II 323 var. [same obv. die, but no trident (control mark) below the horse pointing to the left].
Notes:
1This is the date range stated in BCD Thessaly I. This coin appears to fall within Lorber's Phase Late II or Phase Late III. See Lorber Hoard and Lorber 2008.
The city of Larissa was named after the local water nymph, said to be the daughter of Pelasgos. He was said to be the ancestor of the pre-Greek Pelasgians. According to myth Larissa drowned while playing ball on the banks of the Peneios river. (HGC 4 p. 130).
Provenance: Ex Forum Ancient Coins September 6, 2018; from the David Cannon Collection, ex Beast Coins.
Photo credits: Forum Ancient Coins
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Tracy Aiello
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000993 Larissa ¾ Left, Rider on Horse Prancing RightThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: Head of the nymph Larissa 3/4 facing l., an ampyx in her hair, wearing a simple necklace and what looks like a single globule earring hanging from the bottom of the base of the last lock of hair on the r. All within a border of dots.
Rev: Thessalian cavalryman on prancing horse r., wearing chlamys and petasos. ΛAPI above l., Σ downwards in front of horse, AIΩN in exergue below the ground line.
Denomination: silver trihemiobol; Mint: Larissa; Date: c. late 4th/early 3rd Century BC1; Weight: 1.38g; Diameter: 13.3mm: Die axis: 180º; References, for example: BMC Thessaly p. 30 nos. 69 and 70, pl. VI, no. 6; Weber 2855, pl. 110; McClean 4631, pl. on p. 173, no. 25; SNG Cop vol. 11, 134; SGCV I 2128; SNG Ashmolean 3890 and 3891; BCD Thessaly II 341; HGC 4, 515.
Notes:
1This is the date provided in BCD Thessaly II.
Provenance: Ex. Zuzim September 16, 2021.
Photo Credits: Zuzim
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Tracy Aiello
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0009931 Larissa ¾ Left, Rider on Horse Prancing RightThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: Head of the nymph Larissa 3/4 facing l., an ampyx in her hair, wearing a simple necklace, [a single globule earring hanging from the bottom of the base of the last lock of hair on the r]. All within a border of dots.
Rev: Thessalian cavalryman on prancing horse r., wearing chlamys and petasos. [Λ]API above l., [Σ] downwards in front of horse, [AIΩN] in exergue below the ground line.
Denomination: Obol (?); Mint: Larissa; Date: c. 395 - 344/3 BC1; Weight: 1.04g; Diameter: 11mm: Die axis: 180º; References, for example: Traité VI, 724, pl. CCXCIX, 12; Herrmann Group VII 1 Series B pl. VI, 1 var. mention of a whip and different legend orientation, although he allows for variations.
Notes:
1This is the date provided in Herrmann.
Provenance: Ex. Bermondsey Coins, December 26, 2023
Photo Credits: Bermondsey Coins
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000994 Larissa ¾ Left, Horse Grazing RightThessaly Greece, the City of Larissa
Obv: Head of the nymph Larissa 3/4 facing l., ampyx in her hair, wearing a simple necklace. All within a border of dots.
Rev: ΛΑΡΙΣ above, ΑΙΩΝ in exergue below the ground line, horse with straight legs grazing r.
Denomination: silver obol; Mint: Larissa; Date: late 4th - early 3rd Century BC1; Weight: .70g; Diameter: 10.4mm: Die axis: 170º; References, for example: Herrmann Group VII Series B, pl. V, 192; McClean 4630, pl. on p. 173, no. 24; SNG Cop 135; SNG Ashmolean 3889; SNG München 77; BCD Thessaly II 344 var. with monogram, 385.6; HGC 4, 516.
Notes:
1This is the date provided in BCD Thessaly II.
2BCD Thessaly II 328 corrects Herrmann’s reference from a tritetartemorion to an obol.
Provenance: Ex. Ars Coin Wien, January 26, 2022.
Photo Credits: Ars Coin Wien
CLICK FOR SOURCESTracy Aiello
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