Sale: Nomos 7, Lot: 29. Estimate CHF1000.  Closing Date: Tuesday, 14 May 2013.  Sold For CHF800. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ISLANDS off THRACE, Thasos. Circa 370 BC. Hemidrachm or diobol(?) (Silver, 1.59 g 12). Janiform head of two satyrs, each bearded, bald-headed and with an animal ear. Rev. Θ-Α-Σ-Ι Two volute kraters shown vertically in a tête-bêche position; all within an incuse square. Dewing 1328. Franke/Marathaki 9. Le Rider 25. Weber 2515 (this coin). Nicely toned and attractive. Good very fine.

From the Spina Collection and from the Outstanding Collection, Leu 81, 16 May 2001, 139, ex Bank Leu 45, 26 May 1988, 91, and from the collection of Sir H. Weber.

This is a coin with an interesting symbolic message, which is actually at variance with its traditional denomination. On the obverse there is a janiform or double head and on the reverse, two volute kraters; thus both sides of the coins provide us with a symbol for two. Given the weight, which is quite light for a hemidrachm, is it not possible that it is, in fact, a diobol?