Pherai. Lot of 2 coins.

Triton XV, Lot: 687. Estimate $100. Sold for $600. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

Lot of 2 coins.

(687.1) THESSALY, Pherai. Early 4th century BC. Æ Trichalkon (20mm, 8.78 g, 3h). Facing head of Hekate or nymph Hypereia, border of dots / lion’s head spout l., water pouring from its mouth; below, pellet. Rogers 511, fig. 277 var. [here style is very crude and rev. type is to l.]. Fine, green patina with some red areas; an intriguing coin, quite different from all other Thessalian issues.

A very “primitive” looking coin, either the prototype or an early trial or, more likely, a local imitation for some unknown reason. The series always fascinated this collector as he initially was under the impression that these were cast and not struck coins. In any event, there is no doubt that their flans were prepared by the “western” method of pouring the alloy in cavities joined by channels. One can see the protrusions on the edges of both this and the next coin, lot 687.2.

(687.2) THESSALY, Pherai. Early 4th century BC. Æ Trichalkon (20mm, 7.36 g, 11h). Facing head of Hekate or nymph Hypereia, wearing a diadem; border of dots / ΦEPAI-ON from below, l. up and circular, lion’s head spout r., water pouring from its mouth. Rogers 511, fig. 277 (same dies); see also Nomos 4, 1303. Good Fine, green patina with some brown areas; striking split at 10 o’clock reverse.