Caution - Not #Me2 Appropriate

As I said in another thread, I bid on 3 lots in the latest FSR auction #110, but only had the high bid on 1 lot. As it turned out, the one lot I won was the lot I wanted most.

One of the most interesting themes in ancient Greek coinage is that of the ithyphallic Satyr carrying off a Nymph in his arms. Made famous by the Island of Thasos who copied them from various Macedonian clans.

The origins of Satyroi is confusing and often contradictory. However, the earliest accounts of the Satyroi indicate they were offspring of Phoroneus, the first man on earth. From his five granddaughters the Satyroi were generated with an unknown father, but thought to be Hermes. The Satyroi were considered worthless and not suited to do any useful work. They represent the animal-like worthless man, who performs no useful purpose, and who is only interested in satisfying his baser instincts.

The word Nymph is used to denote a young bride or marriageable maiden. Legends say that when a Nymph is born, a fir or oak tree sprouts in the forest. When that tree dies, so does the Nymph associated with that tree. The Nymphs depicted on the coins of Thasos are said to be the consorts of Dionysus and his companions, the Satyroi.


Mosaic of a satyr and nymph found in a bedroom of the House of the Faun in Pompeii Roman 1st century BCE - 1st century CE

Now, my newest acquisition. I'm impressed with it's size and details:



THASOS
AR Stater
OBVERSE: Naked ithyphallic satyr carrying off a nymph who raises her arm in protest
REVERSE: Quadripartite incluse Square
Struck at Thasos, 525-463 BC
8.69g, 21mm
SNGCop 1008

Prior to this auction win, I owned one drachm from the island of Thasos. It's a decent coin, but much smaller and less detailed than my new coin:

THASOS
AR Drachm
OBVERSE: Naked satyr running right carrying struggling nymph
REVERSE: Quadripartite incluse Square
Struck at Thasos, 463-411 BC
3.40g, 15.9mm
Sear 1748


I know we have all posted our Thasos coins at various times in other threads, but post them again if you please.

 

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Wow!! Nice photos, Bing! Great example of the type

 

Very nice! Bing Crosby lived in my hometown in his younger years and the house still stands.

 

Nice coin and write-up, Bing.

 

Great coin! I like both of them. The wear on the other one has some history to it. I don't have any coins to share but am looking forward to seeing what others have to share

 

I was happy to see your angle shot. These early Thasos have design elements cut pretty much straight down rather than gently sloping as with bas relief. These are interesting because they are very different. Mine is from a different angle.

 

Thanks. All images taken with my new cell phone. I'm generally happy with the photo results so far.

 

Great catch, Bing! Love the pics too.

My first Thasos stater was from an FSR auction. I liked the hands and the satyr's hoof on it, but I eventually sold it back to Frank when I couldn't get past its light weight and the somewhat poor definition of the satyr and nymph's bodies.



Right now, I have this later issue, with the obverse in Classical style.


THRACE, Thasos
AR Stater. 8.52g, 21mm. Circa 412-404 BC. Le Rider, Thasiennes 6; HGC 6, 334. O: Satyr advancing right, carrying off protesting nymph; A to right. R: Quadripartite incuse square.

 

Lucky guy, I don’t have have greeks my self. Wish I could get one

 

And she is too!
Great coin and very jealous Bing.
Here's 2 of mine:

 

HA!!

 

..kool koins!

 

Very nice addition! I enjoyed the angled shots.

 

At about the size of a modern nickel I’ll bet that Stater is awesome in hand! One of these is on my long-term want list. I appreciate the excellent history lesson but regardless of Nymph/Satyr mythology every time I see this coin I think of the story of Alibech and Rustico from The Decameron.

 

Brilliant coin Bing, fantastic detail and high relief, congrats on an amazing upgrade you must be very happy.
I have to get a Stater one day as I only have a Drachme.

 

Nice score James ! That satyr is sporting quite a dong isn't he ? You were due for an upgrade .

 

Beautiful coin and a great upgrade

 

Real nice, picture perfect, congratulations!

 

Thasos, Thrace
AR trihemiobol
Obv: Satyr kneeling left, holding kantharos
Rev: ΘAΣ-IΩN, volute-krater
Mint: Thasos
Date:411-350 BC
Size: 0.82 gr
Ref: SG1755v

 

ISLAND OFF THRACE THASOS
AR Trihemiobol
OBVERSE: Satyr running left, holding kylix
REVERSE: ΘΑΣ − ΙΩΝ Amphora Struck at Thasos, 411-350BC
0,7 g, 12 mm;
SNGCop 1030