Sale: Triton IX, Lot: 353. Estimate $200.  Closing Date: Monday, 9 January 2006.  Sold For $180. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

BOIOTIA, Thebes. Circa 480-460 BC. AR Hemidrachm (2.92 g). Boiotian shield / Square incuse with clockwise mill-sail pattern; archaic Q in centre. Head, Boeotia p. 16-17, vii; J.H. Nordbø, "Greek Silver Coins in a Norwegian Private Collection," NNÅ 1975-76 [Christiansen Collection], 33 (this coin). Fine, even light grey tone. Very rare. ($250)

Ex Giessener Münzhandlung 36 (8 April 1987), lot 149; Hunt Christiansen Collection, 33.

Contrary to Head's (Boiotia p. 16) overall judgement about the rarity of the series, the hemidrachms and the drachms are an exception to the rule and are quite rare. Probably not so many were struck because the earlier types were still in circulation (and would remain so for many more years).