Thrace, Thasos. AR Stater

Thrace, Islands off Thrace. Thasos. AR Stater (8.46 g). Circa 500–480 BC.

Obv. Ithyphallic satyr striding right, seizing a protesting nymph.

Rev. Quadripartite incuse square.

Refs: HGC 6, 331; Le Rider 2.

One of the most recognisable archaic coin types of Thasos, this stater depicts a powerful satyr abducting a struggling nymph. The imagery, deliberately provocative and full of movement, reflects both Dionysiac cult associations and the island’s reputation for wine production and revelry. The reverse bears the characteristic quadripartite incuse square of the period.

Struck during the late Archaic era, these early staters of Thasos were widely circulated in northern Greece and Thrace, playing a key role in trade across the Aegean. The bold, almost crude style of the satyr and nymph is typical of the period, lending the type its raw, archaic character.

Condition: Fairly well centred, attractively toned with darker hues accentuating the obverse relief.

Ex: A. Tkalec 9.05.2005, Lot 27 (3,000 CHF)