The Prospero Collection of Ancient Greek Coins. THRACE. Abdera (c.411/10-386/5 B.C.), Silver Stater, 12.83g,. ABΔH , griffin seated to left, its wings slightly spread, a cicada on left. Rev. EΠIΦIΛA / ΔOΣ , Herakles seated facing three-quarters to left on a rock draped with a lion’s skin, his torso and head turned facing, he holds a club in his right hand that rests on his right knee, and he rests his left elbow on his thigh, all within a shallow incuse square (May 396 (A277/P322); AMNG II, 105, pl. II, 40; SNG Lockett 1132 (this obverse die); Gulbenkian 447 (this reverse die)). Struck from dies of superior artistic quality and style, lightly toned, nearly extremely fin e. Purchased from Spink & Son Ltd., London, 20 February 1989 The figure of Herakles on the reverse of this coin is considered to be one of the finest depictions of him in Greek coinage. The composition, although showing him at rest, clearly illustrates his power and strength. The griffin on the obverse is shown as if it is at the moment of landing, as its wings are slightly open giving the impression that they are still lightly fluttering. This stater of Abdera is one of the finest engraved of that series. US$ 9,000
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