★ Very Rare! ★

Thrace, Abdera. AR Didrachm, 5.98 g 18.17 mm. Magistrate Orchamos. Circa 411-386 BC.
Obv: [ABΔH / PIT]EΩN, Griffin seated left, right forepaw raised
Rev: Lion standing right within linear square; [E]P O-P[X]-A[M]-O around.
Ref: May, Abdera, 259 (A195/P220); AMNG II pl. II, 21; BMC Thrace -; SNG Copenhagen -; Jameson 1037 (same obverse die); CNG Mail Bid Sale 66, Lot 318.
Near Fine/Very Rare! During the Peloponnesian War, Athens weakened its control over the cities in Thrace due to prolonged losses and a shortage of resources during the war.
Taking advantage of this situation, Abdera revolted and minted coins bearing symbols of its independence. As a symbol of this rebellion, the Athenian Attic standards were rejected, and instead, a half stater was minted based on the Aeginetan weight standard. The Griffin depicted on the obverse was associated with wisdom and strength as the protective emblem of Abdera, while the lion on the reverse symbolized Abdera’s determination to break free from Athenian rule.
However, with Athens suppressing the rebellions in the cities, the lifespan of these staters was short, and they were never minted again. As a result, these staters are exceptionally rare and historically significant coins tied to a specific moment in the Peloponnesian War.