Thessaly. Larissa. Circa 365–340 BC. AR Drachm

Thessaly. Larissa. Circa 365–340 BC. AR Drachm (20 mm, 6.01 g). Obv. Head of the nymph Larissa facing three-quarters left, wearing ampyx and necklace. Rev. [ΛΑΡΙ] – ΣΑΙΩΝ. Horse crouching right, preparing to roll; groundline below. Refs: Herrmann pl. V, 7–9 var.; BCD Thessaly I, 1432.1 (this coin). This fine drachm of Larissa belongs to one of the city’s most celebrated series, distinguished by its facing portrait of the nymph Larissa, the eponymous heroine of the Thessalian capital. The bold, slightly three-quarter perspective shows the engraver’s mastery of the facing-head motif, an artistic trend influenced by the great Sicilian dies of Kimon and Euainetos. Her ampyx (headband) and necklace emphasise feminine grace, while also marking her as the divine protectress of the city. On the reverse, the horse—long a symbol of Thessaly and its fertile plains—appears in a strikingly naturalistic pose, crouching with bent legs and preparing to roll. This distinctive type emphasises not only Thessalian skill in horsemanship but also a delight in capturing the animal in a moment of life-like movement, far removed from the stiff heraldic poses of earlier issues. Condition: Attractive light cabinet tone; reverse a little off-centre but well struck for the type. Good Very Fine. Provenance: ★ From the BCD Collection. Ex Nomos 4 (17 May 2011),  lot 1432.