Perrhaiboi. Lot of 3 coins.

Triton XV, Lot: 539. Estimate $150. Sold for $600. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Lot of 3 coins.

(539.1) THESSALY, Perrhaiboi. Late second quarter of the 5th century BC. AR Obol (10mm, 0.91 g, 12h). Forepart of bull r., its forelegs shown under it and its head turned r. to face the viewer, all in linear circle with leaf decoration outside / Π upside down at top r., E on its side facing down at lower r., Я on horse’s neck, A diagonally and on its r. side at top l., forepart of bridled horse r. in incuse square. Liampi, Corpus, p. 109, F 2 (as Pelinna), pl. 5, 20 corr. (same dies) [the wear on the “BMC 10” coin did not allow Liampi to read the Я on the horse’s neck - although traces of it show on the photograph - and the coin was therefore thought to be an issue of Pelinna]. Near VF, toned; obv. slightly off centre; rare and interesting.

A highly original rendering of both obverse and reverse subjects; the forepart of the bull as against the established head and neck image and the attempt to enclose the subject in a wreath are as innovative as is the writing of a letter from the ethnic on the actual horse figure of the reverse. The writer thinks that this unconventional issue of the Perrhaiboi, given also the fact that it does not die-link with any of the other coins in the series, must have been especially struck for a particular event such as the inauguration of a temple or the inception of a festival.

(539.2) THESSALY, Perrhaiboi. Late second quarter of the 5th century BC. AR Obol (10mm, 0.87 g, 10h). Head and neck of bull l., the animal turning its head to face the viewer / Π upside down at top r., E below r., forepart of bridled horse r. in incuse square. Dies not in Liampi, Corpus but see Nomos 4, 1235 for similar obverse. Near VF, toned, with slightly rough surfaces.

Ex Triton I (2 December 1997) 470, hammer $240.


(539.3) THESSALY, Perrhaiboi. Late second quarter of the 5th century BC. AR Obol (12mm, 0.87 g, 7h). Bull’s head and neck l., the animal turning its head l. to face the viewer; to r. and behind, half figure of hero to l., his r. arm over the bull’s neck and his l. hand holding the bull’s left horn; above, star / Π-Ε to r. upwards, bridled horse’s head and neck r. in incuse square. Liampi p. 109, 2a, pl. 5, 23 (this coin). Near VF, toned; some corrosion in obv. fields and a die flaw on the lower part of the reverse.