Triton XV, Lot: 299. Estimate $300. Sold for $2500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

THESSALY, Larissa. Mid 4th century BC. AR Hemidrachm (14mm, 3.03 g, 12h). Head of the nymph Larissa three-quarter facing l., grain ears in her hair, wearing pendant earring and plain necklace; border of dots / ΛΑΡΙ above, ΣΑΙΩΝ in exergue, mare standing r. BMC p. 30, 65 and pl. VI, 4 (same dies). VF, lightly toned; a coin of exquisite style and great rarity. The portrait by the same outstanding artist who cut the obverse die for lot 326 above.

This hemidrachm is a recent acquisition and the person who sold it to the writer knew its rarity and could also appreciate its beauty. As a result, this collector had to pay a preposterous price for this, admittedly very rare, combination and will watch the bidding with amusement, knowing that the amount he paid will never be reached. Sometimes specialist collectors have to buy a coin at a crazy price but they should never regret it otherwise all the fun of collecting evaporates.