Triton XV, Lot: 929. Estimate $125. Sold for $1500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

THESSALY, Koinon of Thessaly. temp. Claudius. AD 41-54. Æ Assarion (17mm, 4.09 g, 1h). Antigonos, strategos. ANTIΓO-NOY, helmeted bust of Athena right, wearing aegis / ΣTP-A-THΓOY, horse running left; grain ear in left field, monogram above. Burrer Em. 1, Series 6, 98 (A25/R83); RPC Supp. S-1438A (this coin referenced); see also Nomos 4, 1403 (same dies). Near VF, attractive dark green and brown patina. Extremely rare, one of three known.

The writer remembers the day when he was offered the first one of these coins to ever appear in the trade. The owner knew he had an unpublished, completely new type in his hands and, quite nonchalantly, quoted a price that was ridiculously inflated. The reaction of the buyer was equally cool and after the transaction was completed he casually mentioned that for such a great rarity he would have easily paid double the amount and still would be very happy with his purchase. Needless to say, the seller never forgave himself for not asking a higher price.