GAUL, Massalia. 470-460 BC. Hemiobol (Silver, 7 mm, 0.48 g), Milesian standard, 'Auriol'. Female head to left, wearing a bonnet ornamented with pearls. Rev. Irregular incuse square. Furtwängler Fc 47-52. Maurel 22. Sharp, attractive and nicely toned. Reverse with uncleaned deposits as found, otherwise, extremely fine.
From the "Collection sans Pareille" of Ancient Greek Fractions.
The female head on this coin is immediately reminiscent of those on the extensive series of diobols from Phokaia (see below, lot 436).