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Research Coins: Affiliated Auction

 
Sale: Nomos 3 & 4, Lot: 1341. Estimate CHF325. 
Closing Date: Monday, 9 May 2011. 
Sold For CHF4000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

THESSALY, Skotussa. Late 3rd century BC. Hemidrachm (Silver, 2.41 g 10). Head of Artemis facing, turned slightly to left, wearing a ‘melon’ hairstyle tied at the back and a plain necklace. Rev. ΣΚΟΤΟΥ / ΣΑΙΩΝ Poseidon seated left on stone; holding dolphin in his right hand and trident with his left. SNG Copenhagen 253. Quite rare, especially in good condition. Toned, but with some minor marks, otherwise, good very fine.


Ex Giessener Münzhandlung 71, 3 May 1995, 216 (DM 2500).

These coins must have circulated for a considerable time, since almost all known examples are considerably worn. Their low weight, which is not solely due to wear, seems to be similar to the reduced Aeginetic of the widespread issues of the Achaean League, which were struck in the 2nd and 1st centuries BC. While this reduced standard started in the late 3rd century, the possibility that the Skotussan issues were struck later may be supported by the style of some apparently contemporary bronze coins from the same mint (see below, the note to lot 1343).
A note from BCD: If Skotussa could produce this appealing “hemidrachm” in the “late 3rd century BC”, I do not see why lots 1207 (Metropolis), 1253 (Phalanna) and 1346 (Thebai) could not have been produced at the same time (see my note after lot 1346).