Triton XV, Lot: 694. Estimate $150. Sold for $1900. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

THESSALY, Pherai. 4th century BC. AR Hemiobol (9mm, 0.40 g, 6h). Head of Ennodia r. / Φ-E, hunting dog sitting r. Imhoof-Blumer 1908, p. 93, 277, pl. VI, 38; see also Nomos 4, 1306 corr. (same dies) [ASW, relying on the low weight of the corroded fraction in Nomos 4, called this coin a tetartemorion but our specimen, from the same pair of dies, weighs 0.40g and therefore establishes the hemiobol denomination without any doubt]. Near VF, toned; both sides a little off centre but all devices on the flan; an extremely rare and coveted fraction.

According to the myth, Pan gave Artemis her dogs: two black and white, three reddish and one spotted. She also got from him seven bitches, bringing the total to thirteen, quite a following of faithful companions. For a “close up” of one of her dogs see Nomos 4, 1318, as well as lot 693 above, but the pointed muzzle of the dog pictured here indicates that this one is of a different breed.