Thessaly, Larissa. c. 356-342 BC
Thessaly, Larissa. c. 356-342 BC
AR Stater, 12.12g (25mm, 11h).
Head of the nymph Larissa facing slightly l., her hair in ampyx and wearing single-pendant earring and necklace / Bridled horse prancing l., ΛAP-IΣ-AIΩN around
Pedigree: Ex CNG 126, 28-29 May 2024, Lot 163. From the T. Cheesman Collection. Ex CNG Triton XXIII, 14-15 January 2020, lot 238. Numismatics Fine Arts XXVI 14 August 1991, lot 69. From the San Vicente Collection.
References: L-S Type 2, Series A, dies O2/R1. BCD Thessaly II 307 (same rev. die). Lorber, Hoard 67–8 (same obv. die). HGC 4, 409. Boston MFA 894 (same rev. die)
Grade: Stunning obverse strike with toned surfaces. The reverse is very nice but does have light hairline scratches in the fields. EF/aEF
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The Greek city state of Larissa (in Pelasgiotis) was considered one of the most important towns in Thessaly. The aristocratic family, the Aleuadae resided there. Herodotus refers to the Aleuadae as rulers or kings so their greatness was clear. The coinage of Larissa is known for its obverse type which has been compared in beauty to the Syracuse coinage of Arethusa. The nymph Larissa on the obverse is said to be based on the "fountain of Larissa". She was the daughter of Pelasgus. This coin was struck sometime in the mid 4th century BC just prior to the final invasion of Philip II of Macedon. Philip appointed tetrarchs in c. 353 BC to oversee Larissa. It was not until his second invasion in c. 344 BC that the coinage of an independent Larissa and the types were struck in the name and type of Philip II and later his son Alexander III. Larissa did not again recover her autonomy until 197 BC with the liberation of Greece by Flaminius.