THESSALY. Larissa. Circa 479-465 BC. Drachm (Silver, 15 mm, 5.11 g, 3 h). Horse grazing left; above, upside-down partridge-like bird. Rev. ΛΑΡΙ-ΣΑ[Ι]Ο-N Sandal of Jason left; above, labrys; all within incuse square. CNG E-Auction 292 (2012), 1 (this coin). BCD Thessaly I -. BCD Thessaly II -. SNG Copenhagen -. A beautifully toned and extremely rare early drachm with an interesting reverse type. Edge crack, otherwise, very fine.


The reverse of this coin refers to the fascinating tale of Jason, the Greek hero best known for his quest to obtain the Golden Fleece. Jason’s father, Aison, was the king of Iolkos in Thessaly, but was challenged by his half-brother, Pelias, who cast him from the throne and imprisoned him. While in prison, a son was born to Aison, Jason, who was smuggled out of Iolkos so that he could be raised in safety by the centaur Chiron. At some point, Pelias consulted an oracle, who warned him of meeting a man wearing only one sandal. Years later, the now fully-grown Jason travelled to Iolkos to participate in games held in honor of Poseidon. At the Anauros river, an old woman – Hera in disguise – sought passage, and Jason carried her across, losing a sandal in the process. Thus, he arrived at Iolkos wearing a single sandal, greatly alarming Pelias. After presenting himself to his half-uncle, the latter tasked Jason with fetching the Golden Fleece, confident that he was sending the hero to his death.