Sale: Nomos 3 & 4, Lot: 1114. Estimate CHF300.  Closing Date: Monday, 9 May 2011.  Sold For CHF3000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

THESSALY, Larissa. Circa 460-440 BC. Obol (Silver, 0.87 g 10). Ο - Ϟ Horse trotting to right. Rev. ΛΑRΙϞ Α (retrograde The nymph Larissa, standing facing, holding her veil with her upraised hands; at her feet to right, hydria. Herrmann F/G IIIβ IV. Traité IV, 684, pl. CCXCVII, 17. Rare. Nicely toned. Surfaces slightly rough, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.

The fractional silver coinage of 5th century Larissa is remarkable for the many different depictions of the city-nymph it bears. Die cutters seem to have had the freedom to show her running, playing, and, even, beautifying herself: here she seems to be doing her hair, using a mirror as an aid.