Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction XI 7 April 2016
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Thessaly, Larissa AR Drachm. Circa 475-425 BC. Thessalos advancing right, with petasos over his shoulders and chlamys tied at his neck, holding a band around the forehead of a bull rushing to right, lotus flower below / Horse prancing left, Λ-Α; below, R-I above, all within incuse square. Herrmann group III B, pl. I, 22 (same obverse die); cf. Triton XIII (5 January 2010) 1127 (same dies). 5.85g, 22mm, 3h.
Good Very Fine. Very Rare.
Ex BCD Collection, Triton XV, 3 January 2012, lot 152.
The obverse of this coin depicts the taurokathapsia, a contest in which the athlete passes a band around the bull's head and pulls it tight in an attempt to bring the animal under control. This would no doubt have been not only a feat of great strength, but also of dexterity and agility to avoid being trampled or gored by the bull.
This particular coin is overstruck on an early sandal-type drachm. The reuse of the earlier coinage in this manner explains why they are so rare today.
Good Very Fine. Very Rare.
Ex BCD Collection, Triton XV, 3 January 2012, lot 152.
The obverse of this coin depicts the taurokathapsia, a contest in which the athlete passes a band around the bull's head and pulls it tight in an attempt to bring the animal under control. This would no doubt have been not only a feat of great strength, but also of dexterity and agility to avoid being trampled or gored by the bull.
This particular coin is overstruck on an early sandal-type drachm. The reuse of the earlier coinage in this manner explains why they are so rare today.