Sale: Nomos 3 & 4, Lot: 1366. Estimate CHF225.  Closing Date: Monday, 9 May 2011.  Sold For CHF7500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ISLANDS off THESSALY, Skiathos. Circa 350-344 BC. Chalkous (Bronze, 13mm, 1.81 g 12). Male head wearing taenia to left. Rev. ΣΚΙ /ΑΘΙ Kerykeion. Rogers 573. A beautiful coin with a wonderful pale green patina. Some breaks in the patina, otherwise, extremely fine.

The style of the obverse head is particularly fine, with a delicacy of line that is absolutely marvelous. Was the engraver a local craftsman, or could he have been merely a visitor who was captivated by the island’s beauty, as are many today, and so repaid his hosts by making the dies for this exquisite coin?