Sale: Nomos 3 & 4, Lot: 1136. Estimate CHF1000.  Closing Date: Monday, 9 May 2011.  Sold For CHF26000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

THESSALY, Larissa. Circa 365-356 BC. Drachm (Silver, 6.17 g 3). ΛΑΡΙΣΑΙΟΝ Bull rushing to right. Rev. Thessalian horseman, Thessalos, wearing petasos, cloak and tunic, galloping to right. Herrmann pl. IV, 17. Lorber 2008, pl. 46, 101. SNG Copenhagen 118. A superb coin of wonderful quality, fresh and sharp. Slightly double struck on the obverse, otherwise , good extremely fine.

This type of Larissa drachm is normally found in no better than very fine condition: the issue must have seen virtually continuous circulation for at least 50 years or so. Thus, the outstandingly fine and unworn state of this coin is quite astounding; the coin must have been buried almost as soon as it was minted.
A note from BCD: An exceptionally sharp strike for this type that usually comes weakly struck and/or off center. Probably one of the best, if not the best known.