Obol

Historical Context: Pelinna, a significant city within the Thessalian League, issued this silver obol between 430 and 400 BC. This period, coinciding with the latter stages of the Peloponnesian War, saw Thessaly navigate complex regional politics and alliances. The minting of fractional denominations like the obol underscores Pelinna's economic autonomy and the necessity for small-scale transactions in its local economy, reflecting the city's active role in the broader Greek world despite external pressures. The coin's references, BCD Thessaly II#515, BCD Thessaly II#516, and HGC 4#270, confirm its established place in numismatic scholarship.

Artistry: While the engraver remains anonymous, the obol's design adheres to the Late Classical stylistic school, characterized by a growing emphasis on naturalism and refined detail. Thessalian coinage frequently depicted local patron deities, heroes, or the region's famed horses. For an obol, the design would typically be compact, focusing on a primary motif on the obverse, often rendered with a sense of dynamism or lifelike quality indicative of the era's artistic advancements, while the reverse might feature a simpler symbol or ethnic. This style contrasts with the more rigid forms of earlier periods.

Technical/Grading: This silver obol, weighing 0.9 grams and measuring 13 millimeters, represents a challenging piece to strike fully. High-points for preservation would include the central features of the primary device, such as a horse's mane or a deity's facial details, and any discernible legend. Due to the small flan size, off-center strikes and incomplete details are common technical characteristics. A well-centered strike with full rendering of the main design elements and minimal die wear would be highly prized, reflecting superior minting effort for such a diminutive yet important denomination.