Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Electronic Auction 494 23 Jun 2021
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ISLANDS off THRACE, Samothrace(?). Circa 500-465 BC. AR Obol (11mm, 1.11 g). Sphinx seated left, raising forepaw; no border / Incuse square. Schwabacher, Fund 4 var. (dotted border on obv.); HGC 6, –. Attractively toned, slightly off center, flan crack. Good VF. Very rare.
The attribution of this issue to Samothrace is questionable, as all early silver issues of Samothrace consistently feature a dotted border around the obverse type, which is clearly not present on this issue. Alternatively, this issue, with a plain incuse square, may be the first at the mint, with the dotted border a feature that was added subsequently, and employed thereafter on the coins.
The attribution of this issue to Samothrace is questionable, as all early silver issues of Samothrace consistently feature a dotted border around the obverse type, which is clearly not present on this issue. Alternatively, this issue, with a plain incuse square, may be the first at the mint, with the dotted border a feature that was added subsequently, and employed thereafter on the coins.