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LM43335

Thrace, Ainos, Silver Tetradrachm, 359/8 - 357/6 BC

Regular price £15,000
Regular price Sale price £15,000

Thrace, Ainos, silver Tetradrachm, 359/8 - 357/6 BC, head of Hermes with petasos, slightly turned north, rev. AINION, goat standing on a base, in front an eagle with closed wings. 15.20g, 2h (AMNG II 1 318; May 427 (A259 / R-); HGC 3.2, 1278). Magnificent toning, small die flaw on the forehead otherwise extremely fine and scarce.

This impressive silver tetradrachm of Ainos in Thrace, dating to 359/8357/6 BC, is a fine example of the artistic achievement of Classical Greek coinage. The obverse depicts Hermes, the patron deity of Ainos, wearing his characteristic petasos (travellers hat), his head turned slightly to the left. The naturalistic treatment of the portrait, with its subtle three-quarter perspective, demonstrates the exceptional skill of the engraver. On the reverse, the city ethnic ΑΙΝΙΟΝ accompanies a standing goat, with an eagle positioned before it, its wings neatly folded. The goat was an important civic emblem of Ainos, reflecting the city's association with Hermes. The coin is particularly desirable for its rarity as a relatively short-lived late tetradrachm issue of Ainos.

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