Larissa / Jason's Sandal

Larissa (Thessaly) - Obol (⅙ Drachm)
Head of the nymph Larissa to right, her hair bound with a ribbon and tied at the back.
Jason's sandal to left, all within incuse square. ΛΑ upside down

Description

Obverse: Head of the nymph Larissa to right, her hair bound with a ribbon and tied at the back.
Reverse: Jason's sandal to left, all within incuse square. ΛΑ upside down

Jason, banished by his usurper half-uncle Pelias (king of Iolcatis-Thessaly), lost a sandal assisting Hera crossing a river. Fortunately, Pelias was prophesized to be destroyed by a man wearing one sandal... But why Jason? Not Larissan, not a god. Herodotus describes the "Medean affairs" (really Persian Wars) which originate from Jason kidnapping Medea. After victory in the 2nd Persian War, Jason's sandal was a symbol of triumph and chosen for the first coinage of Larissa.

Details

CompositionSilver
IssuerLarissa
Ruling AuthorityUnknown
Period of Issue479 BC - 460 BC
Weight1.03 g
Diameter10 mm
Orientation
↑↑
8h
DenominationObol (⅙ Drachm)
StandardThessaly - Drachm
ReferencesBCD Thessaly II #139,348.2; HGC 4 #405

Numista Reference

Provenance

LocationDescriptionDate
Switzerland
Nomos AG, obolos 12 - Lot 230
Mar 31, 2019
United States
Stephen Album Rare Coins, Auction 42 - Lot 46
Jan 20, 2022
United States
Classical Numismatic Group, Electronic Auction 540 - Lot 67
Jun 14, 2023
United States
Classical Numismatic Group, Triton XXVIII Online - Lot 5091
Jan 23, 2025
United States
Lelouch Collection
Current