THESSALY. Pharsalos. Signed by the engraver Telephantos. c. 424-405 BC
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AR Drachm, 5.29g (18mm, 6h). Head of Athena r., wearing Attic helmet with raised cheek pieces; behind helmet, signature TH / Φ-Α to l. And r. Above, Σ-Ρ retrograde, to l. And r., below. Thessallian cavalry man on horse prancing to r., wearing petasos, chlamys and short chiton, holding a lagobolon over his r. shoulder; in exergue, TH
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Lavva 80 (V41/R48). BCD Thessaly II, 638
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Beautiful classical style. Lightly toned with some iridescence. Reverse has some minor marks and the face of the rider is not clear, otherwise, extremely attractive and signed by engraver. Mint State/EF (gk1631)
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$9,000
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Ancient Thessaly was abundant in fertile vast fields which made raising horses a natural fit. On that point, the Thessalians were extremely strong in cavalry as is suggested by the war-like Athena shown on the obverse of this coin. The reverse shows a warrior poised for battle. At the time when this coin was struck, Thessaly was starting to align itself with the Macedonians and were largely vassals of the empire.
This particular coin was signed by the master die cutter Telephantos. Coins with known associated artists are rare and provide further interesting and insightful information.
Pharsalos is remembered as the location where Caesar had his great victory over his rival Pompey the Great.