Larissa / Jason's Sandal
Larissa (Thessaly) - Obol (⅙ Drachm)
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
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Composition | Silver |
| Issuer | Larissa |
| Ruling Authority | Unknown |
| Period of Issue | 479 BC - 460 BC |
| Weight | 1.03 g |
| Diameter | 10 mm |
| Orientation | ↑↑ 8h |
| Denomination | 1 Obol |
| Standard | Thessaly - Drachm |
| References | BCD Thessaly II #139,348.2; HGC 4 #405 |
Provenance
| Location | Description | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | Nomos AG, Obolos 12 - Lot 230 | Mar 30, 2019 |
| United States | Stephen Album Rare Coins, Auction 42 - Lot 46 | Jan 19, 2022 |
| United States | Classical Numismatic Group, Electronic Auction 540 - Lot 67 | Jun 13, 2023 |
| United States | Classical Numismatic Group, Triton XXVIII Online - Lot 5091 | Jan 22, 2025 |
| United States | Lelouch Collection | Current |