Thessaly. Skotussa circa 300 BC.
Bronze Æ

18 mm, 4,78 g

Helmeted head of Athena right / ΣΚΟΤΟΥΣΣΑΙΩΝ, horse rearing right.

Very Fine

Rogers 546; BCD Thessaly I 1344; HGC 4, 615.

Ex Solidus Auction 85, Lot 214. Ex Prof. Dr. Peter Robert Franke collection. Horses featured prominently on ancient Thessalian coins, echoing the region's profound equestrian culture and its historical significance. Nestled in central Greece, Thessaly was renowned for its exceptional horsemen and the esteemed role of horses in its society. These equine representations on Thessalian coins held diverse symbolic meanings. Foremost, they celebrated Thessaly's legendary horsemanship and the military prowess of its renowned cavalry. Thessalian horsemen were esteemed throughout the ancient Greek world, sought after as skilled mercenaries and pivotal assets in various armies. Thessaly's fertile plains fostered ideal conditions for horse breeding, solidifying its reputation as a vital source of horses for both military and civilian use across ancient Greece. In essence, horses on Thessalian coins symbolize more than mere animals; they embody the essence of Thessalian identity, prowess, and the enduring legacy of their equestrian culture, serving as tangible relics of a bygone era.