Obol

Historical Context: This silver obol from Trikka, a significant city in Thessaly, was struck between 440 and 400 BC, a period marked by the tumultuous Peloponnesian War. Trikka, renowned for its sanctuary of Asclepius, maintained local autonomy and economic vitality, issuing its own coinage to facilitate regional trade and civic functions. The city's strategic location within the fertile Thessalian plain contributed to its importance, even as it navigated the complex political landscape dominated by larger Greek powers.

Artistry: While the engraver remains anonymous, typical for these early classical fractional denominations, the coin exhibits the nascent naturalism characteristic of the High Classical Greek style. The obverse likely features a finely rendered head of a local nymph or hero, often depicted with a delicate profile and intricate coiffure. The reverse commonly displays a dynamic forepart of a horse, a motif emblematic of Thessaly’s famed equestrian tradition, conveying motion and power despite the coin’s diminutive size.

Technical/Grading: Given its modest 10.0 mm diameter and 0.87 gg weight, this obol often presents with characteristic technical limitations. High-points for the obverse portrait typically include the hair strands, nose, and chin, while the horse's mane and chest musculature define the reverse. Strikes are frequently off-center, leading to partial legends or devices. Planchets can be irregular, and die wear is common, yet well-preserved examples retain remarkable detail for such a small, frequently circulated piece.