Thrace, Odessos

Greek Coinage

Thrace, Odessos

AE Unit, circa 3rd-2nd Century BC

Obverse:

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

Reverse:

ΟΔΗΣΙΤΩΝ in exergue

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.

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

Specifications:

Weight: 4.50 grams

Diameter: ∼18-19 mm

Die Axis: 12h

Metal: Bronze

Condition:

Good Very Fine. Exceptional patina, smooth and glossy with lighter highlights on devices. Obverse perfectly centered with a fine, artistic portrait of Demeter/Kore showing full stephane, earring, and necklace detail. Reverse sharp and complete with all attributes of the Great God clear: trident, cornucopia, and reclining posture. Ethnic ΟΔΗΣΙΤΩΝ fully legible in exergue. A premium example of the type.

Note:

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.

Provenance:

From a private Florida collection.