It wasn't a resounding success for me, but I still made away with a decent haul from the just past FUN show in Ft. Lauderdale. First up is this trihemiobol from the Greek city of Thasos, Thrace. It has great details but unfortunately it has been holed, but this I'm sure is the reason how it earned a spot at a $25 bargain box, where I was able to grab it. Thasos, Thrace AR trihemiobol Obv: Satyr kneeling left, holding kantharos Rev: ΘAΣ-IΩN, amphora Mint: Thasos Date:411-350 BC Size: 0.82 gr Ref: SG1755v Thasos is an island off the northern coast of Greece, and was home to a city of the same name. The Phoenicians were the original arrivals to the islands, and were followed after by Greeks from Paros around the middle of the 7th century BC. The Greek colony later spread its influence to the mainland, becoming even richer and more prosperous as a result, mainly through its gold, marble, wine, and nuts. After a failed attack by Histiaeus of Miletos in the beginning of the 5th century BC, Thasos improved its navy and fortifications, but this aroused suspicions and were later pressured by the Persians to reverse these improvements. The city later became part of the Delian League but soon after it revolted and broke away. As a result, it was invaded and captured by Athens, which imposed heavy terms on the inhabitants, including the loss of Thaso's mainland possessions. Around 50 years later, in 411 BC, Athens went through an oligarchical revolution, and Thasos seized its chance to free itself of Athenian control. But a few years later the Athenians again took possession of the island. Around two centuries later, the city was forced to submit to Philip V of Macedon; soon afterwards, however, it was freed by the Romans. The theater: Part of the agora: ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thasos ) Satyrs were woodland creatures usually depicted as goat-like bearded men with long ears and tails. These companions of Dionysus were seen as nature spirits that loved wine, women, dancing, and playing the flute. They personified the freedom and beauty of nature. ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satyr )
Great little coin for the price. And as always, thanks for the write-up and map! I would love one of these holed ones, actually. You find many of them holed and it must have been common for them to have been strung and worn (as a charm?) or perhaps kept on a nail. The vessel on reverse is usually described as an amphora, but it is a volute-krater. What's nice is that on your coin you have the full design, clearly showing the volutes that the krater is named for. They're mostly missing on mine.
I would say finding that coin by itself, even with the hole, made the show a success for you. It has a great relief, and the Satyr and the amphora are both well detailed with nice planchet color, no to speak of the history. I agree with Randy, the hole does not bother me either.
Nice write-up. Thasos must have been an important commercial center, for several popular and ubiquitous silver coin types have been spread from that happy little island: the satyr-and-nymph stater and satyr solo hemihekte (1/12th stater) of the early 5th century BC, your trihemiobol (1/4 drachm) of the 4th century and the tetradrachm of the 2nd century BC. The last coin was often imitated by the neighboring Celts, and there are many modern forgeries of it, too, as this website shows ominously.
Cool find!!! I agree with the others....That hole is so strategically placed that it only adds to the charm and mystery of that wonderfully detailed little coin. Love the write-up!! Here' one I picked up at a FAC free auction:
Thanks all and cool coins. Like jwt mentioned, fortunately the person who made the hole had enough common sense to not pierce the major features, resulting in a still very attractive coin.
Yeah I noticed the handles were a little different and how they made it look different than how I usually imagine amphorae/other kinds of ancient jars, but I didnt know it was a complete different kind of jar. Thanks for the clarification Zumbly!
i don't have either... but that a nice lookin' coin, great details and a hole in a good spot...looks like a little cool crystallization also!
Two of the three Thasos Satyr stater versions show the crab claw hand replaced by a more human version. Who has the later one where the nymph places her arm around the satyr and seems to be enjoying being carried off?
I certainly don't, but I wouldn't mind an example of any of them, arm around or not. Great coins Doug.
The best I can do: Thasos Thasos, Thrace, BC 168-148 AR, tetradrachm, 16.12g, 31mm; 11h Obv.: Portrait of Dionysos Rev.: ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ to left, ΗΡΑΚΛΕΟΥΣ to right, ΘΑΣΙΩΝ below; Hercules with lion pelt in arm resting on club. M monogram left Satyr Cimmerian Bosporus, Pantikapaion Æ20, 5.6g, 12h; 304-250 BC Obv.: Head of Pan (satyr) left, wreathed in ivy. Rev.: ΠAN, Bow and arrow. Cimmerian Bosporos, Pantikapaion AE17, 4.6g, 6h; c. 325-310 BC. Obv.: Head of Satyr left. Rev.: Π-A-N; Head of bull left.
I only have one Thasos... and it is not the cool Amphora type that @ValiantKnight has: Thasos, Thrace, AR Tetradrachm 146 - 50 B.C., 33mm, 16.1g Obv: Young head of Dionysos wearing wreath of leaves and grapes and band across forehead. Rev: ΗΡΑΚΛΕΟΥΣ ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ ΘΑΣΙΩΝ, Hercules naked standing left holding club, lion skin draped over arm; monogram. Ref: SNG Copenhagen 1040; SG-1759; SNG Ashmolean 3689; Le Rider, Thasos 51 Ex: @Ancientnoob
