Ancient Stars
Thasos - Satyr
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Coin Details
| Origin/Country: |
ANCIENT - GREEK CIVIC (7th CENT BC - 1st CENT AD) THRACE, ISL. OF THASOS c.500-450 BC |
| Item Description: |
AR Stater Thrace, Isl. Of Thasos rv quadripartite incuse obv Satyr abducts nymph |
| Full Grade: |
NGC XF Strike: 5/5 Surface: 4/5 |
| Owner: |
PAL Collection |
Owner Comments:
Thasos is the northernmost major Greek island. It was colonized very early by the Phoenicians most likely for its gold mines. In ancient times, the isle was renowned for its wine and its coinage features or celebrates the wine God Dionysos who, along with Herakles, are the main deities of the island. This stater's obverse features a nude, ithyphallic satyr carrying off a protesting nymph with her hand raised in struggle. Satyrs were companions of Dionysus and are usually depicted as a half-man, half horse or goat, nude, with a prominent erection. The scene is thought to symbolize the orgiastic cult revelries that occurred on the island celebrating the wine God.