Sale: CNG 64, Lot: 166. Estimate $500.  Closing Date: Wednesday, 24 September 2003.  Sold For $300. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

THESSALY, Larissa. Early 5th Century BC. AR Triobol (2.03 gm). Head of Jason left wearing petasos tied under his chin / Sandal of Jason left within incuse square. Herrmann Group IA, pl. 1, 6 var. (head and sandal right); SNG Copenhagen -; Traité pl. CCXLVI, 1 var. (same). Toned VF, minor graininess. Very rare. ($500)

According to legend, Jason was a local prince who was raised by the centaur Chiron. His sandal is closely tied to local mythology and the legend of the Argonauts. Jason lost the sandal while crossing a river on his way to claim his throne from King Pelias. Pelias had been warned by an oracle to beware of a man wearing only one sandal, so when Jason arrived, he was recognized. Pelias, in an effort to rid himself of the rightful heir, sent Jason on an expedition to retrieve the fleece of a golden ram. Thus began the adventure of the Argonauts.