Lot 19B
Greece, Thrace, Abdera, ca. 4th to 3rd century BCE. A rare and visually compelling silver stater minted under the magistrate Philados at Abdera, renowned for its artistic quality. On the obverse, a regal griffin sits alert and poised, facing left, with a cicada in the field at left and the partially visible Greek inscription "Abdera" trailing off the edge. The reverse features the heroic figure of Herakles, seated in a relaxed but powerful pose atop a lion skin spread over a rocky ledge. He grips his iconic club upright in his right hand while resting his left arm on his thigh, framed by a legend. Enclosed within a shallow incuse square, this coin showcases a masterful balance of detail and symbolism - especially in the griffin, which ranks among the most refined depictions known from this Thracian mint. Size: 0.8" Diameter (2 cm); silver quality: 56% to 61%; weight: 12.1 grams
Abdera, a prosperous ancient city on the coast of Thrace, was renowned for its cultural vibrancy and wealth, largely derived from its strategic location and robust trade. Founded by colonists from Teos in Ionia, Abdera rose to prominence in the Classical period and became a notable minting center, producing some of the most artistically admired coinage in the Greek world. The city's emblematic griffin - mythical guardian of gold - embodied both Abdera's wealth and its Ionian heritage. The reverse features Herakles, seated after his labors, a symbol of heroic strength and divine favor. His club and lion skin signify triumph over adversity, while his calm, seated pose reflects authority and composure. This composition not only demonstrates exceptional craftsmanship but also links the coin to themes of civic identity, mythic power, and economic prestige. Coins of this type, especially with the elegant griffin and well-rendered Herakles, are exceedingly rare, with comparable examples commanding between $20,000 and $140,000 at major auctions.
Provenance: Collection of Y. Kayvan, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from a Los Angeles, California, USA gallery acquisition dates range from the late 1990s to 2005
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#195265
- Condition: F (Fine). Some dark toning and patina. Rubbing and softening to finer details.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |