Triton XV, Lot: 683. Estimate $300. Sold for $3750. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

THESSALY, Pherai. Mid 5th century BC. AR Drachm (21mm, 5.98 g, 12h). The hero Thessalos, naked but for petasos and cloak hanging on his back, leaning to l. and restraining bull attempting to rush l. by a band that he has passed under the animal’s horns; in exergue dolphin r. and lion’s head spout to l., all in dotted circle / Θ-E-RA-ION from middle l., down and r. up circular, bridled horse, cantering to l., its rein trailing below, all in incuse square. SNG Cop. 234 (same dies); see also Nomos 4, 1302 (same dies). Near VF, toned, the reverse rather unevenly; die slippage on obv. at 5 to 6 o’clock.

Acquired from Seaby’s, October 1984 for £ 1500 and from an old English collection.

The writer has not searched thoroughly for the pedigree of this coin and believes that a detailed scrutiny of the more obscure 20th century auction catalogues may reward the buyer with an interesting provenance.