Silver obol from Massalia - 3 years later, some spectacular cabinet toning

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by The Meat man, Aug 28, 2026 at 10:07 PM.

  1. The Meat man

    The Meat man Supporter! Supporter

    For some reason, this little silver obol from Massalia has really gone to town with the toning in the three years it's sat in my coin cabinet. It was essentially stripped when I bought it, and now it's quite a colorful little piece. I like it. :happy:

    There are a few other silver coins that have developed hints of iridescent toning after sitting in my cabinet for a couple years, but nothing like this coin! Let me know what you think. :)

    Before and after:

    Gaul_Massalia_obol.jpg

    Gaul Massalia obol_v2.jpg
    GAUL, MASSALIA
    AR Obol (11.04mm, 0.73g, 2h)
    Struck circa 300 BC
    Obverse: Youthful male bust left
    Reverse: Four-spoked wheel, MA in two quadrants
    References: De La Tour 689
    Good flan quality. Deep iridescent toning. Massalia was a Greek colony founded around 600 BC on the southern coast of modern-day France. Notable natives of Massalia include the great explorer Pytheas the Greek (fl. c. 320 BC), who travelled up the British Isles and as far north as Iceland, and later described his travels in a book entitled
    On the Ocean.​
     
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  3. lordmarcovan

    lordmarcovan Eclectic numismatist Moderator

    Wow- that aged well!
     
  4. lordmarcovan

    lordmarcovan Eclectic numismatist Moderator

    You could start a toning service... ;)
     

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