Thrace, Odessos circa 280-200 BC AE 17.4mm 4.59gm Unit

Thrace, Odessos circa 280-200 BC AE 17.4mm 4.59gm Unit

Obv: Wreathed head of Demeter or Kore right, wearing stephane, earring, and necklace. Hair in bun at back of head with loose locks at neck.

Rev: The Great God of Odessos reclining left on rock, nude to waist, himation over lower limbs. He rests on left elbow, holds cornucopia in left hand, and holds a trident upright in his extended right hand. ΟΔΗΣΙΤΩΝ in exergue

Ref: SNG BM Black Sea 316-318; SNG Stancomb 171; HGC 3.2, 1584

This is one of the most desirable bronze types from Odessos. The reclining Great God is the city’s signature design, and this variant with trident is scarcer than the usual cornucopia + patera version. The Great God was a syncretic deity combining aspects of Zeus, Dionysus, Poseidon, and local Thracian gods. The trident here emphasizes his maritime aspect, fitting for Odessos as a major Black Sea port.

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Sku# 1719