THRACE. Maroneia. Circa 386/5-348/7 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 24 mm, 11.40 g, 5 h), Kallikrates, magistrate. Bridled horse springing to left, with trailing rein; below horse's forelegs, small long-haired dog (Pomeranian) standing left. Rev. EΠI K-AΛΛ-IKPA-TEOΣ around linear square containing grape vine with four bunches of grapes, leaves and tendrils; all within shallow incuse square. HGC 3.2, 1533. Jameson 1061 (same dies). Schönert-Geiss 488 (V33/R58). SNG Copenhagen 603 (same dies). West 84 (same dies). Winterthur 1219 (same dies). A magnificent piece, perfectly centered, of superb style, and with underlying luster. Faint surface marks and with very minor weakness on the reverse, otherwise, virtually as struck.

The exquisite artistry and attention to detail on the dies of Kallikrates make it easy to identify the small dog beneath the horse: it is a spitz, recognizable by its thick fur, small ears, and curled tail. While spitz breeds are commonly used today as sled and hunting dogs in Nordic climates, they were originally bred for guarding and herding. In this context, the spitz appears to take on the latter role, shown shepherding one of Maroneia’s magnificent horses