Lot 56: Islands off Thrace, Thasos. Ca. 500-480 B.C. AR drachm.

Islands off Thrace, Thasos. Ca. 500-480 B.C. AR drachm (16 mm, 3.56 g). Satyr advancing right, carrying off protesting nymph / Quadripartite incuse square. Le Rider 3; SNG Copenhagen 1014. Fine.

This coinage was struck around the time of the Ionian Revolt (499-493 B.C.), which also drew in many cities of Thrace. In 493 B.C., Histiaios, the defeated tyrant of Miletos, attempted to seize Thasos by force, but was repelled. Realizing that there was more trouble to come, the Thasians poured their mining revenues into the construction of a war fleet and strengthening their walls. Unfortunately, they were no match for the Persians, who compelled them to give up their ships and tear down the walls.

• Offered By: Barry P. Murphy
• Lot #: 56
• Listing #: 190223
• Closed: Tuesday, December 13, 2016 4:27:30 PM CT
• Estimate: $75