LOT 2681

Thessaly, Larissa AR Drachm. 440-420 BC.

Thessalos, petasus and cloak tied at neck, holding band across horns of bull to right / ΛΑ-ΡIΣ (ΡΙΣ retrograde), bridled horse galloping to right. BCD Thessaly I 1122; BCD Thessaly II 170; SNG Copenhagen 99; HGC 4, 414. Near Extremely Fine. Toned with blue iridescence around the devices on obverse.(5.96gr, 20mm, 12h.).

Acquired from Kevin Cheek (Elizabeth A. Cheek Trust Collection) in May 2011.
Published in 'The Celator' December 1988.

From the article 'Artistic choice. Archaic style lived on Larissa' of Kevin R. Cheek about this coin in The Celator, December 1988, p. XXIIII: This remarkable issue is a combination of ''Archaic Period'' art and composition blended with ''Classical Period'' detail and design. The ''Archaic Period'' artistic style, readily seen on the obverse, is highlighted by the heavy body muscles of the bull wrestler seemingly flexing towards the viewer of the piece. The ''Archaic Period'' composition is noted with the heavy dot border, thick chunky flan, and deep reverse incuse. ''Classical Period'' detail and design is apparent relative to the delicate designed sandals, detailed neck-ribbing of the robust bull, and long-necked body of the horse. The artist has thus created a piece in which the bull wrestler commands sheer power over a stout adversary as the movement of the encounter gently displaces the petasus from the wrestler. The petasus may be significant in that there are many examples of as petasus being associated with the regal coinage of Macedonia.