Phakion

Triton XV, Lot: 566. Estimate $200. Sold for $1500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Phakion (IACP 410)

The Thessalian city of Phakion is only known from literary sources (Livy and Thucydides), from Delphic inscriptions, and from rare bronze coins dating to the 3rd century BC (perhaps at the time of Demetrios Poliorketes). The site is unknown, although some believe it is located near the modern village of Argyromylos (Silver Windmill).

THESSALY, Phakion. 3rd century BC. Æ Trichalkon (18mm, 5.04 g, 4h). Diademed head of nymph r., the diadem also acting as a hair-retaining net, wearing round earring with three long cylindrical elements hanging from it and necklace that is partly beaded and partly plain / ΦAKI-AΣTΩ-[N] up and circular from above l, rider advancing r. in chlamys and short chiton, raising his r. hand in salute; below, wheat ear with two leaves, pointing diagonally down. Papaevangelou Group II, 17a (this coin, illustrated on pl. 5 as no. 17). VF, attractive chocolate brown patina, the reverse with some additional olive green overtones; a pleasing coin from a rare mint.