The identification key can be used to determine whether a facing head drachm is early, middle, or late, and to place it in its proper subgroup. Common obverse dies can then usually be matched in the easy reference guide. For more detailed information, see the Lorber-Shahar illustrated catalogues below. The text catalogues (in PDF) include even more specimens, stylistic links, and literature citations. The catalogue of staters (didrachms) appears at the bottom of the panel.
The die study of Early Larissian facing head drachms
published by Catharine Lorber in Florilegium Numismaticum
(1992) is revised and significantly expanded based on new materials, die links, and stylistic links.
The intermediate phase of Larissian facing head drachm production,
identified from overlapping hoards, involves a number of distinctive reverse types.
This catalogue is the first die study ever offered of Larissa's middle facing head drachms.
This catalogue is the first die study ever offered for Larissian staters. It is based on specimens recorded from commerce, as well as the holdings of some major public collections.
Thessaly is a region in East Central Greece. The ancient area corresponded roughly
to the modern one. It is bordered by Macedonia in the north,
Epirus in the west, Central Greece in the south and the Aegean Sea in the east.
Larissa was the chief city of ancient Thessaly, and a major cultural and economic centre of the region.
This is a presentation of other facing head
coinage of ancient Greece. Facing heads were very difficult to engrave, and only the most talented and
confident die cutters attempted to construct them. The facing heads are among the most striking and
realistic of ancient coin depictions, and in some examples, reflect an ethereal beauty that is
difficult to define.
Note that only silver coins are represented below, and no denominations less than drachms.
This presentation is meant to show various facing head styles within regions, and is
not intended to represent an exhaustive depiction of die types. The aim is mainly for
comparison purposes. Please click on samples from:
Here is a subjective assessment of the
most appealing Larissian facing head coins based
on artistic merit and emotional appeal. The presentation looks at
early facing drachms, middle/late facing drachms, and staters.
Pretty coins
Some interesting and important details that a collector of Larissian
facing head coins might want to consider. Read More
We would like to thank the
following sources for their generous use of materials.
Please click on the links provided for access to
the sites in question. Read More
If you have digital images
of Larissian facing head drachms or staters, or any helpful information, please let us know. We may
consider including such materials in our catalogues. Read More
This website was created by Charles Shahar (webmaster) and Catharine C. Lorber (numismatic consultant). We appreciate
any comments or suggestions. Click Here
Introduction