Troyden Posted June 7, 2022 · Member Share Posted June 7, 2022 One of the most interesting issues of ancient Greek coins are those issued by Thassos (or Thasos), a city-state located on a small island off the Aegean coast of Thrace. Initially a Phoenician colony (of which the tangible remnant was the cult of Melkart, identified with Heracles, which lasted in historical times), the island was settled in the Archaic era by the Ionian Greeks. The latter brought the cult of Dionysus to the island, and the satyr became a symbol of the state. Thassos' wealth came from the rich precious metal mines located on the island-controlled Thracian coast. Coins have been minted from these metals since the archaic era. And what coins! They depicted the city's symbol - a satyr, referring to the Dionysian cult. On staters and drachmas, the satyr kidnapped (for a purpose known only to him) a young nymph, who raised her hand in protest. The small, fractional denominations show the satyr just by himself in a strange pose. According to some satyr runs, others claim he is pleasing himself, as befits a satyr. Thassos' prosperity did not last forever. The city had the misfortune to make a pact with the devil, that is, it became part of the Delian League. Initially a loose alliance led by Athens, the League quickly turned into Athenian heavy-handed hegemony. Thassos famously revolted in 465 BCE, but received no aid from Persia or from Sparta and Athens forced the islanders to surrender after a two-year siege. The city was severely restricted in its rights. For us, it is interesting that Athens took control of Thassos' mines and since then the city has stopped minting its coins. Instead, the silver flowed to Athens and was used to strike the famous Owls. Thassos managed to regain independence in 411 BCE, during the final phase of the Peloponnesian War. It also regained control of its mines and resumed coin production. But these were different coins. Visually, the style has changed, simple archaic figures have been replaced by beautiful ones, made in the classic canon of beauty. The coins were also much "polite". On large denominations, the satyrs no longer abducted nymphs. On the contrary, the nymph now embraced the running satyr, and a smile was drawn on her face. For the satyr was no longer a symbol of the militant masculinity of the islanders like in the old days. Now it seems Thassos itself was represented by the nymph, she was the freed virgin whom the satyr was taking to a place of safety. The satyr also behaved more politely on the smaller coins. Instead of assuming strange poses, he would kneel and offer a goblet like a gift of freedom to the inhabitants of the island. There are also motifs of the head of Dionysus and jumping dolphins. In the Hellenistic era, the satyrs and nymphs almost completely disappeared. The city still minted coins in great numbers, but now they mainly depicted the head of the young Dionysus and the figure of Heracles-Melkart, linking the two most important religious cults for the island. Thassos (island off Trace), archaic stater (525-463 BC); weight 8.26 g, diameter circa 20 mm; catalogue: SNG COP 1008, Sear 1357 Unfortunately this is the only coin from Thassos that I own. Post yours please! 13 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alegandron Posted June 7, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted June 7, 2022 Thasos AR TriHemiObol Satyr running Kylix Amphora 411-350BCE 0.69g 12mm SNGCop 1030 Ex: @Bing Thrace Thasos 146-50 BCE Roman provincial or Military mint AR Tet Dionysos Herakles Club Lion skin Ex: @ancientnoob 11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryro Posted June 7, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted June 7, 2022 One of my first auction house purchases: 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troyden Posted June 8, 2022 · Member Author Share Posted June 8, 2022 9 hours ago, Ryro said: One of my first auction house purchases: That's some nice archaic satyr. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ambr0zie Posted June 8, 2022 · Member Share Posted June 8, 2022 Thrace. Thasos circa 500-480 BC. Diobol AR 13 mm, 1,08 g Obv: Ityphallic satyr on his knee to the right. Rev .: Quadripartite incuse square. Le Rider 4, SNG Cop 191-194 (Lete), HGC 6, 333 Thrace. Thasos circa 404-340 BC. Obol AR 10 mm, 0,73 g Satyr kneeling left, holding kantharos / ΘAΣIΩN, amphora. Le Rider, Thasos 27; SNG Copenhagen 1029 I also intend to buy the OP coin sometime in the future. 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewStyleKing Posted June 8, 2022 · Member Share Posted June 8, 2022 I have no Thasos coins now. The original Thasos tetradrachms were well struck and Dionysos was beautifully represented. How long this independent coinage lasted I don't know but soon the deterioration took place and the art work rapidly went down hill. Who actually minted those later tetradrachms and where is not known It seems the Romans applied pressure and the style fall off the wall It seemed to have been used to pay Thracian mercenaries since most of the surviving coins are found in Bulgaria. The Thracians really took to those coins and minted their own whose style became outlandish. Those late coins are weird and wonderful. Prokopov is the expert, but he is hard to understand and seems to write bits and bobs with no overview. DeCallatay wrote about it being a Roman proxy coinage like the enigmatic Aesillas coinage and the Athens NewStyle,dracms of Apollonia and dyrrachium and others. The Romans really dominated. More than it would seem. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ursus Posted June 8, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted June 8, 2022 My only Thasos coin is from the later issue after 411 BC: Islands off Thrace, Thasos, AR trihemiobol, c. 411-350 BC. Obv: Satyr kneeling l., holding kylix. Rev: ΘAΣ-IΩN; amphora. 12mm, 0.87g. Ref: SNG Copenhagen 103. 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AncientOne Posted June 8, 2022 · Member Share Posted June 8, 2022 Thrace, Islands off. Thasos. 200-1 BC. Æ 20mm. Diademed & draped bust of Artemis right, bow & quiver over shoulder / QASIWN, nude Herakles standing right, drawing bow about to shoot an arrow, lionskin around neck. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DANTE Posted June 8, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted June 8, 2022 Thasos produced some lovely coins, in Classical days and later on. There is one thing I never quite understood about their coinage, though. The Thasians owned rich gold mines, both on the island itself and on the the mainland they controlled. According to Wikipedia these yielded up to 2-300 talents yearly. Yet, to the best of my knowledge, they never minted any gold or electrum coins next to their silver. I never really got that bit. But I'm sure there's a logical explanation somewhere. Here is a Thasos coin: 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kapphnwn Posted June 10, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted June 10, 2022 Thasos Ar Stater 480-463 BC Obv Ithyphallic satyr in a running kneeling stance right carrying off protesting nymph, Rv quadripartite incuse square anepigraphic Rosen 142 480-463 BC 8.88 grms 21 mm Photo by W. Hansen By employing this image the Thasians are in a backhanded way attempting to show adherence to Greek ideas . The ancient Greeks believed that civilization in the form of civic rule brought order out of chaos. However chaos was never far below the surface and had to be feared and respected. Chaos is well represented by the Satyr. Though well muscled and strong he was totally useless for any kind of work. They were slaves to their pursuit of physical pleasure which on this coin ins represented by the nymph. Nymphs are minor female nature deities and usually enjoy an overall positive reputation. Satyrs are obsessed with nymphs. Thus by advertising this image the Thasians are trying to show that their city is a bastion of order and that only a few miles away lies the domain of chaos. 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GregH Posted June 10, 2022 · Member Share Posted June 10, 2022 Yeah, sure he's just "carrying off" the nymph. I have always wanted one of these coins, especially one with nice style like @kapphnwn's 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Severus Alexander Posted June 10, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted June 10, 2022 I was hoping someone would ask my question so I wouldn't have to. Alas, it's come down to me. It's about the archaic diobols: is the satyr, erm, wanking? or just... what? 🤪 I don't have one but if he IS wanking I think I ought to get one! To post a coin: 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troyden Posted June 10, 2022 · Member Author Share Posted June 10, 2022 On 6/8/2022 at 4:34 PM, DANTE said: Thasos produced some lovely coins, in Classical days and later on. There is one thing I never quite understood about their coinage, though. The Thasians owned rich gold mines, both on the island itself and on the the mainland they controlled. According to Wikipedia these yielded up to 2-300 talents yearly. Yet, to the best of my knowledge, they never minted any gold or electrum coins next to their silver. I never really got that bit. But I'm sure there's a logical explanation somewhere. Here is a Thasos coin: According to Sear, Thasos had gold and silver mines. My guess is that gold was exported for use in jewelry and votives. Gold coins weren't that much popular in Greece proper before the Hellenistic era. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DANTE Posted June 10, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted June 10, 2022 (edited) 2 hours ago, Severus Alexander said: I don't have one but if he IS wanking I think I ought to get one! Get one!😉 Edited June 10, 2022 by DANTE 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DANTE Posted June 10, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted June 10, 2022 (edited) 48 minutes ago, Troyden said: Gold coins weren't that much popular in Greece proper before the Hellenistic era. Good poin. Could be part of the explanantion. But electrum was widely used (and could easily be madefrom gold of high purity) and Achaemenid darics, which were around, were a well known and sought after currency. Edited June 10, 2022 by DANTE 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troyden Posted June 10, 2022 · Member Author Share Posted June 10, 2022 2 hours ago, DANTE said: Good poin. Could be part of the explanantion. But electrum was widely used (and could easily be madefrom gold of high purity) and Achaemenid darics, which were around, were a well known and sought after currency. As island nation, Thasos was never part of the Persian Empire and thus was outside of the Achaemenid monetary system. Thasos followed monetary trends of mainland Greece where gold coins weren't popular during the Archaic and Classical eras. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeremy Posted June 10, 2022 · Member Share Posted June 10, 2022 (edited) Here are two Thasian coins from my collection: Thrace, Thasos AR stater 480-463 BC Obverse: Nude ithyphallic satyr advancing right, carrying off protesting nymph. Reverse: Quadripartite incuse square. References: Le Rider, Thasiennes 5; HGC 6, 331; SNG Copenhagen 1010-1011 21mm; 8.86g Thrace, Thasos AR tetradrachm Circa 148-90/80 BC Obverse: Head of Dionysos right, wearing ivy wreath. Reverse: HPAKΛEOYΣ / ΣΩTHPOΣ / ΘAΣIΩN; Herakles standing left, holding club and lion skin. Control: Monogram to inner left. References: SNG Copenhagen 1040-5; HGC 6, 359. 32 mm; 16.72g Edited June 10, 2022 by Jeremy 6 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor Steve Posted June 10, 2022 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted June 10, 2022 Great coins, gang Yup, ya gotta love the fun lovin' times that the sensitive Satyr is having with the playful and willing Nymph (they're obviously in love ... it's so nice to see ancient love stories depicted on coins) Thasos, AR Archaic Stater. Satyr & Struggling Nymph (below) Islands off Thrace, Thasos c.525 - 463 BC Diameter: 21.5 mm Weight: 8.60 grams Obverse: Satyr carrying off a struggling nymph, who raises her arm in protest Reverse: Quadrapartite incuse square Reference: SNG Cop 1010 Other: Nice metal with good facial detail. A classic archaic Greek type! Ex-stevex6 Hopefuly everybody is having a nice Friday afternoon (I am relaxing after a day of yard-chores) ... I'm now having a glass o' vino and livin' the dream Cheers 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed Snible Posted June 11, 2022 · Member Share Posted June 11, 2022 Close-up: THRACE, Thasos, 411 - 404 BC. AR Tritartemorion. 8mm, 0.42 g Obv: Head of bald and bearded satyr right Rev: Θ/Α/Σ. Two dolphins swimming left and right, one above the other. 7 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor Steve Posted June 11, 2022 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted June 11, 2022 (edited) That's a sweet coin, Ed ... Hi, stevex here Hey Ed, I still can't thank you enough for finding that amazingly awesome Pontos coin, which completed my neat mini-set (Pontos Laodikia) ... man, it was a beauty, eh? => Thanks again ... so cool (it killed me to break-up and sell-off that sweet set ... sigh) Yikes ... sorry I interrupted this cool Thasos thread (my bad) ... I just got excited and nostalgic when I saw Ed's face! Cheers to all Edited June 11, 2022 by Steve 9 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor rNumis Posted June 11, 2022 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted June 11, 2022 Here's one from the cover of the Spring 1988 Monetarium Fixed Price List. Looking at the coins in this thread, I notice that the nymph's raised hand is sometimes quite stylized (like this one) and sometimes far more realistic. I don't own any examples, sadly. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zumbly Posted June 11, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted June 11, 2022 Here's a later, Classical-style nymph and satyr type for variety. THRACE, Thasos AR Stater. 8.52g, 21mm. THRACE, Thasos, circa 412-404 BC. Le Rider, Thasiennes 6; HGC 6, 334. O: Satyr advancing right, carrying off protesting nymph; A to right. R: Quadripartite incuse square. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Topcat7 Posted June 11, 2022 · Member Share Posted June 11, 2022 (edited) 500-480 B.C. THRACE Thasos Diobol SNG Cop. 191-4 Masturbating Silenus with a ponytail on his knees to the right. Edited June 11, 2022 by Topcat7 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dougsmit Posted June 16, 2022 · Member Share Posted June 16, 2022 On 6/10/2022 at 2:49 AM, Severus Alexander said: I was hoping someone would ask my question so I wouldn't have to. Alas, it's come down to me. It's about the archaic diobols: is the satyr, erm, wanking? or just... what? Sear calls this a trihemiobol but I bought it as a 1/8 stater and two dots is probably the denomination but I know nothing including what the fellow is doing. Ask him? When I bought it, the city was given as Lete but that is a matter of opinion more than fact as is the way this whole series rolls. 0.78g. This was also sold to me as a trihemiobol or 1/8 stater but weighs 1.0g. I'd be more likely to call it a diobol but I used to think I knew more about these than I think I do now. Don't ask him questions that you don't want to hear the answer. In 1991, this was considered a 'rough' coin but now it is more a 'delicate' subject. 4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Severus Alexander Posted June 16, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted June 16, 2022 Thanks, @dougsmit! Not sure about the "Lete" but that particular "diobol" seems pretty clear, certainly clearer than most! 😳 Guess I'd better get one. Certainly suitable for my "erector set" in any case. Here's an Antoninus Pius from Lampsakos (Mysia) where there was a Priapos cult: (Reverse represents a herm, RPC IV online 2562.) 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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