Pre-Long Beach Auction #91

Thessaly, Larissa. Silver Stater (12.03 g), ca. 356-342 BC EF. Head of the nymph Larissa facing slightly left, hair bound in ampyx. Reverse: ΛAPI-Σ-AIΩN, bridled stallion trotting right. Lorber & Shahar type 2, series A, dies O4/R2; BCD Thessaly II 311 (same dies); SNG Berry 541 (same obv. die). Well struck from elegant dies and nicely centered. Lightly toned. Extremely Fine.
A numismatist could spend years building just a collection centered solely on the coins of Larissa in Thessaly and probably never really complete it, such is the variety of the city's coinage. The facing head portraits of the nymph Larissa are some of the most beautiful in Greek coinage, showing the importance that the city attached to the artistry of its coinage. It would seem that the city even hosted a resident school of highly skilled die-engravers. This particularly fine stater is in a much better state of preservation than most found on the market, and it is also from truly handsome dies. Additionally, it is perfectly centered on both sides and struck on a nice full flan. It would certainly prove a highlight of any collection. Estimated Value $7,000 - 8,000

Ex CNG 88 (14 September 2011), 194.