THRACO-MACEDONIAN REGION. Uncertain. Late 6th century BC. Tetrobol (Silver, 13 mm, 4.22 g), Aeginetan standard. Forepart of a bridled horse to right. Rev. Rough incuse punch. Apparently unpublished and unique. An enigmatic and beautifully toned coin of powerful archaic style. Light granularity and the tip of the horse's head a bit flat, otherwise, about extremely fine.


This exciting coin almost certainly comes from the Thraco-Macedonian region, a mountainous area known for its rich silver mines and wild indigenous tribes. It was probably struck as a tetrobol to the Aeginetan standard and can hardly date after the late 6th century BC, a time that saw increased cultural interactions and trade between the Greek coastal cities and the inland population. There can be no doubt, however, that the die cutter was a local artist: the rendering of the horse is of an enchanting wildness, offering a charming contrast to the domestication implied by its bridle!