ISLANDS OFF THRACE, Thasos. Circa 412-404 BC. Drachm (Silver, 18 mm, 3.55 g). Nude Satyr kneeling facing, his head turned to right, holding a nymph in his arms, who raises her right hand in protest. Rev. Quadripartite incuse square with granulated recesses. HGC 6, 336. Le Rider, Thasiennes, 8. SNG Fitzwilliam 1810. SNG Lockett 1223. Beautifully toned and of excellent style. Very minor die rust on the obverse, otherwise, good very fine.




The island polis of Thasos grew its fabulous wealth from its silver mines and the export of timber and high-quality wines. With its mainland peraia lying at the foothills of the rugged Thraco-Macedonian mountains, the Thasian coins quite fittingly contain the satyr and nymph motive, a highly sexually charged design showing the ferocious and aroused satyr abusing the mannered nymph. Such images of wilderness clashing with civilization were especially popular in frontier regions such as the Thraco-Macedonian coast, where Greek apoikiai came into close contact with native 'barbarian' tribes.