PHOKIS, Federal Coinage. Early 5th century BC. Hemiobol (Silver, 8 mm, 0.48 g, 12 h), Delphi. Head of a male Ethiopian to right. Rev. Head of a goat facing between two dolphins swimming downwards. BCD 375.2 (this coin). Extremely rare and very interesting. Darkly toned. Light flan faults on the reverse, otherwise, very fine.


The Ethiopian head on this coin is very likely a reference to Delphos, the eponymous founder of Delphi, who was a son of Poseidon and the black nymph Melaine (whose name literally means 'the Black').