PHOKIS, Federal Coinage. Early 5th century BC. Obol (Silver, 8 mm, 0.77 g, 1 h), Delphi. Head of a male Ethiopian to right. Rev. Head of a ram to right; below, dolphin to right; all within incuse square. BCD 375.1 (this coin). Extremely rare and very interesting. Somewhat rough, otherwise, good 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').