First coin of 2017: Thessaly, Larissa AR hemidrachm

Well, I bought this coin after I started my Best of 2016 thread, and 2017 is just around the corner, so by the magic of utilizing the process of cognitive dissonance, this is my first coin of 2017. Besides, I already chose my top 10 of 2016 and I'm too lazy to change the list just because I got this beauty.

I hope you like her. She does have some honest wear, but I think there are still enough details that she can be appreciated. What do you think?


Thessaly, Larissa. Ca. 356-342 B.C.
AR hemidrachm. Ex BCD, Ex C.C., May 1993.
(15.58 mm, 2.32 g, 10 h).
Head of the nymph Larissa facing slightly left
ΛAPIΣ-AIΩN, Horse standing right, preparing to roll.
BCD Thessaly II 333; SNG Copenhagen 132. VF.
Ex BCD,
Ex C.C., May 1993.

Post your related coins or any coins with horses you feel like sharing.

 

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Good style and very appealing.

 

@Sallent : This is a wonderful coin you have for the start of 2017. Great detail, yet has a decent amount of wear that you know it has been around in the palms of people's hands. Well done! Cool that yours is depicted with the Horse as just ready to roll, that seems a pretty scarce action to illustrate. Nice! And, the patina accents the features perfectly. Good eye appeal. Ya dun goood!

I have one that was recently given to me by a wonderful, generous person. It was given for no other reason that it was a gift. Those are the best kinds.


Thessaly Larissa 344-337 BCE AR Obol 0.68g Nymph Larissa Horse Grazing SNG Cop 1

 

Thanks. I kid you not when I say I wasn't intending to buy anything else this year, but then I got an email from an auction house saying their auction was closing in a few hours. I decided to spend 10 minutes browsing the auction and saw this one. People had bid on it but it but bidding seemed to be below what I know is the fair market value for this type. So I put in a single bid thinking this is a long shot and 95% change I get outbid...but I didn't.

Not bad for a coin I never intended to buy and only just saw thanks to an email and 10 minutes to spare.

 

That is the fun part of our collecting. Cool item, aw, "heck, I'll take a shot at it!", then BOOM, Nirvana!
----
LOL, WOAH!!! JUST got a notification as I was writing this email, that I just won a casual browse on an auction! LOL, Fate-fortune!

 

Awesome coin @Sallent I saw that one and was seriously considering it. Glad it went to a good home

 

I nearly bid on that coin. Congrats

 

@Ajax and @Bing thanks guys. It's now abundantly clear I got such a sweet coin because both of you decided to pass up on it. I appreciate it.

 

That's because I'm such a nice guy.

Actually, I had already spent my budget on that auction. Too bad me. Congrats to you.

 

An excellent score.

 

@stevex6 How do ya like my pony, my Canadian coin friend.

 

The look in those eye - despite the wear!

I wasn't thinking much of coins with Larissa until I saw one in the Seattle Art Museum. They are really stunning works of art

 

The wear is what kept this puppy under $100 bucks. At any rate, I am no longer obsessed with XF coins. I care more about style, character, and eye appeal at the best price possible. My #1 and #2 coins of 2016 (which I've yet to reveal) are VF at best, yet they place higher in my list than many XF and AU coins I acquired this year.

 

Congrats Sallent , nice cabinet toning, Larissa looks very powerfull on your coin,well done !
Here's my Larissa Drachma:

 

Nice start to new year! Larissa coins are pieces of numismatic art My first coins for 2017 will probably be from either Triton XX/ The New York Sale/Kunker Auctions.

 

Yours is pure coin porn. She looks very sharp and minty despite the mild crystalization on the obverse. You have a winner there. I quite like it.

 

Don't keep us waiting too long. Your coins are every ancient coin collector's fantasy. I always look forward to seeing what you are going to show us next.

 

Ummm, coincidentally I bought a similar example just a couple of days ago ...



THESSALY, Larissa. AR Hemidrachm
Late 4th-early 3rd centuries BC
Diameter: 15 mm
Weight: 2.23 grams
Obverse: Head of the nymph Larissa facing slightly left, wearing ampyx and necklace
Reverse: ΛAPIΣ/AIΩN around from upper left, horse standing right, preparing to lie down
Reference: BCD Thessaly II 331-3; HGC 4, 514
Other: 11h … Good VF, lie die rust
From the BCD Collection





... just jokes ...

 

That is really a great looking coin. I love that obverse!

So, this would've made your 2016 Top Ten? I can see why. Make an exception and have a Top Eleven list!

 

That's in nice style and is very well centered. Just about perfect amount of wear, too. Congrats!