Triton XV, Lot: 854. Estimate $150. Sold for $150. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

THESSALY, Thessalian League. Mid – late 1st century BC. Æ Dichalkon or Obol (21mm, 7.58 g, 12h). Philokrates, Italos, and Petraios, magistrates. Helmeted bust of Athena right, wearing aegis; ΦIΛOKPA-TOV to right and left / ΘEΣΣA-ΛΩN, Athena Itonia standing left, holding in her right hand Nike--who stands left, presenting wreath, resting her left hand on shield set on ground to right; spear to left; ITA-ΛOY across upper field, ΠETPAIOΣ in exergue. Burrer p. 62; Rogers 59, fig. 12; see also Nomos 4, 1393. Near VF, attractive green patina.

In the note after BCD Thessaly 1393, ASW hypothesizes that the broad flan of this issue may indicate that these coins were intended as presentation pieces. Of course, we cannot know, or guess at all, the details of the mint operation, and, therefore, while it would be unfair to reject this hypothesis, the explanation offered by the BCD note after lot 1402 of that sale seems more rational to this writer.