THRACO-MACEDONIAN TRIBES, Bisaltai. Circa 475-465 BC. Oktadrachm (Silver, 33 mm, 28.21 g). CIΣAΛ - TIKΩN ( retrograde ) Bridled horse standing to right, pawing the ground with his left fore hoof; behind him, Hero standing to right, wearing a petasos, holding two upright spears with his left hand, and the reins with his right. Rev. Quadripartite incuse square. Cf. HPM, p. 107 5 and pl. XI, 8 = Traité II, 1, 1492 and pl. XLV, 3. Extremely rare, very probably the best known example with the Hero holding upright spears. Sharply struck and toned. Obverse with slight traces of double-striking, otherwise, about extremely fine.

From the Collection of Jonathan H. Kagan, acquired from John Jencek.

Unlike the vast majority of Bisaltaian oktadrachms, this remarkable piece shows the Hero/horseman carrying his spears in an upright position - the shaft bottoms can be seen between his legs beneath the horse - rather than couchant as they normally are. This unusual pose is only paralleled by a few very rare drachms that are also attributed to the Bisaltai: as HPM p. 108, 11-13 and pl. XI,10. 12 & 9.