Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 209 | SilverAuction date: 28 April 2024
Lot number: 62

Price realized: 170 EUR   (Approx. 182 USD)   Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees.
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Lot description:


Thessaly. Larissa circa 380 BC-AD 365.
Drachm AR

19 mm, 6,02 g

Head of the nymph Larissa facing slightly right, hair in ampyx / Mare standing right with foal right in background.

Very Fine

BCD Thessaly I 1153; HGC 4, 444.

Ancient coins from Larissa often bore the striking image of a horse, carrying layers of significance reflective of the city's rich heritage. Renowned for its skilled equestrians and vibrant horse culture, Larissa's coins proudly showcased this aspect of its identity. Beyond mere representation, the horse held profound symbolic value deeply ingrained in the city's mythology, religion, and civic pride. In Greek lore, horses were intertwined with gods and heroes, embodying qualities of strength and divine connection. Larissa's choice to feature horses on its coins likely alluded to these mythical associations, honoring deities like Poseidon or mythical figures such as Pegasus. Moreover, horses symbolized power and prosperity in Greek society, and their presence on Larissa's coins conveyed messages of strength, vitality, and abundance, projecting an image of a thriving and influential city-state.
Beyond symbolism, the depiction of horses on Larissa's coins could also carry political connotations, signaling allegiance to rulers or alliances like the Thessalian League. Variations in horse imagery might have denoted shifts in leadership or commemorated significant events, serving as a visual testament to Larissa's evolving political landscape.



Starting price: 50 EUR