Thessalian League. Late 2nd-early 1st century BC. Stater

Thessalian League. Late 2nd-early 1st century BC. Stater (Silver, 20 mm, 5.82 g). Magistrates Eurydamas and Hegesaretos. Head of Zeus right, wearing oak wreath. Rev. ΘΕΣΣΑ / ΛΩΝ Athena Itonia striding right, brandishing spear in her right hand and extending shield on her left arm; above spear, ΕΥ-ΡΥΔΑ; in fields, Μ-Α / Ν-Τ / Ο-Σ; in exergue, ΗΓΗΣΑΡΕΤΟΣ. BCD Thessaly I, 1381 this coin; cf. Klose, p. 345, but apparently misread. Perfectly struck, with a light iridescent tone. Extremely fine. Ex Nomos 4, 10 May 2011, BCD Collection, 1381. A particularly attractive example of the late federal silver coinage of the Thessalian League, struck during the period when Thessaly operated under increasing Roman influence while retaining its traditional federal coin types. The obverse head of Zeus, wreathed in oak, reflects one of the principal divine associations of the region, while the reverse depicts Athena Itonia, the great federal goddess of Thessaly, shown in vigorous martial pose. Her striding figure, with spear and shield, is among the most recognizable types of the League and expresses both civic unity and military protection. The reverse is unusually inscriptional, naming the Thessalian ethnic and recording the magistrates Eurydamas and Hegesaretos. The divided field letters appear to complete or clarify the magistrate’s name, and the note concerning Klose suggests that this specimen is important for correcting or refining the reading of the issue. With its full strike, clear legends, and BCD pedigree, this is a strong representative of the late Thessalian League staters.