THESSALY. Koinon of Thessaly. Caracalla, 198-217. Triassarion (Bronze, 23 mm, 8.56 g, 12 h), 211-217. AY K M AY ANTΩNINOC Laurate and cuirassed bust of Caracalla to right, seen from behind; star in right field. Rev. KOINON ΘΕCCΑΛΩN Nike, holding wreath in right hand and reins in left, driving galloping triga right; below, Γ (denomination). BCD Thessaly II 976. Burrer, MA-G 31 var ( legends, star on obverse ). Rogers 113f var ( reverse legend ). Dark green patina. very fine.

The people of ancient Thessaly probably had some difficulties distinguishing between the various bronze denominations of their local coinage during the imperial period. To help simplify matters, the mint not only clearly inscribed the denomination in a central area of the reverse - the numeral Γ (= 3 Assaria) below the horses - but the coin also depicts Nike driving a triga instead of the more common quadriga or biga, which would have helped to distinguish it from the 4- and 2-Assaria pieces that were of similar size.