Sale: Triton IX, Lot: 289. Estimate $300.  Closing Date: Monday, 9 January 2006.  Sold For $180. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

BOIOTIA, Tanagra. Early-mid 4th century BC. AR Obol (0.80 g). Boiotian shield / Forepart of horse right, wearing laurel garland; T-A flanking horse's head; all within incuse flat circle with curved edge. Head, Boeotia p. 52; Traité III 346, pl. CCIV, 346 = BMC 31, pl. X, 5 (same rev. die). Near EF, cabinet tone, minor old gouge on horse's chest, the usual die break just below. Well centered. ($300).

See lot 264 above for the stater by the same hand. It is obvious that the two issues were contemporary; probably minted to celebrate an important agonistic and/or religious festival for which the garland around the horse's neck had a special meaning. The bullion in such cases was provided by one or more wealthy individuals with or without the financial assistance of the city.