Thessaly, Larissa. AR Drachm, circa 400–380 BC.

Thessaly, Larissa. AR Drachm, circa 400–380 BC. Obv. Head of the nymph Larissa facing, turned slightly right, her hair falling in soft waves around her face. Rev. ΛΑΡΙ, horse with straight legs grazing right. 19 mm, 6.07 g. Lorber, Early Group 3, O27; BCD Thessaly I 1430.6 (this coin). Light iridescent toning. Extremely fine. ★ Ex Nomos 4 (2011), BCD Collection, lot 1430 ★

This elegant drachm belongs to the early facing-head series of Larissa, one of the most admired artistic achievements of classical Thessalian coinage. The obverse shows the nymph Larissa in a serene three-quarter pose, a composition inspired by the great Syracusan masterpieces yet distinctly Thessalian in its soft modelling and understated grace. Her gentle turn to the right creates a subtle sense of depth and movement, while the delicate rendering of her features reveals the hand of a refined engraver. The reverse depicts a grazing horse, emblematic of the rich pastoral culture of Thessaly, famed since antiquity for its plains, its cavalry, and its horse-breeding traditions. The straight-legged stance, typical of the early issues, reflects the transition from archaic rigidity toward the more naturalistic style that would flourish later in the century. A particularly attractive specimen with light iridescent toning and excellent centering, further distinguished by its provenance from the celebrated BCD Thessaly collection.