Iolkos and Pagasai: Two New Thessalian Mints* - Royal Numismatic ...

IOLKOS AND PAGASAI 25
A die-flaw resembling a small globule on the only known reverse die occurs in
the upper left field of all the coins.
The two obverse dies appear to be more or less contemporary since they are
clearly by the same hand and the reverse die with which they are coupled shows
the same degree of wear with both. The flans of all the coins are very thick,
resembling those of other Thessalian coins dated to the first half and middle of
the 4th century BC. The die-axes are irregular and some of the coins are poorly
centred. The diameter of all coins is consistent and does not exceed 12 mm.
With an average weight of 2.03g our coins seem to be chalkoi, denomination C
in the analysis of Papaevangelou-Genakos and the smallest bronze minted in
Thessaly. 9
The letters of the legend are not particularly revealing for dating purposes, but
are consistent with the Ionian alphabet of the 4th century BC, having, for
example, a fairly large omega. The ethnic������������������� is known from the
written sources (Stephanos Byzantios, s.v.��������� and also from inscriptions. 10
The head of Artemis has a bulbous eye with thick eyelashes set at an angle and
a markedly arched eyebrow, a low forehead, an almost triangular jutting chin,
and a flat cheek. As we shall see, it bears some similarity to the head of Apollo
Pagasaios on the coins of Pagasai. For dating purposes the most important
feature is the hair, which is in the so-called melon style. This style appeared
shortly before the middle of the 4th century BC, reached its peak of popularity
during the 3rd century BC, but continued in use sporadically in sculpture,
figurines, and coins. The style appears on the head of Ennodia on coins of
Pherai issued under the tyrant Alexander (369-358 BC) and in the name of the
city in the second quarter of the 4th century BC, 11 and on the head of Artemis on
the coins of Ekkarra. 12 In addition to these Thessalian mints, a similar style
appears on the head of Artemis on coins of Orthagoreia 13 and of Philip II, both
dated by Le Rider to around 342/341-329/328 BC, 14 and on the head of Artemis
on the silver coinage of the Scythian king Ateas 15 during the second half of the
4th century BC under the influence of the coins of Philip II. There are many
parallels in sculpture and figurines. 16 Note in particular a grave relief from Agria
9
Papaevangelou–Genakos 2004, p. 47.
10
IG IX 2, 1109, l. 6.
11
Wartenberg 1994, pp. 151-6, Pl. 159, no. 15 (Alexander); no. 8 (Pherae).
12 Liampi 1998, pp. 417-39.
13 Gaebler 1935, pp. 92-3, nos 1-3, Pl. 18, nos 21-3.
14 Le Rider 1977, pp. 395-6, Pl. 43, nos 504-11 (Amphipolis II, B).
15 SNG BM (Black Sea) 200; for a better preserved example, see Numismatica Genevensis 1 (A.
Baron, Geneva, 27/11/2000), no. 76.
16 For example a Bear from Brauron (Themelis (-), p. 70, fig. 16 b), and a terracotta female
figurine found in a grave near Nea Anchialos in Thessaly (Hourmouziadis – Asimakopoulou–Atzaka
– Makris 1982, p. 65, fig. 35 (Hourmouziadis)).