196–146 BC Ancient Greek Thessalian League Apollo/Athena

The Last Coins Of Ancient Greece

The Thessalian League was an ancient confederation of northern city-states in Northern Greece. Independent for centuries, it fell under Macedonian rule in 344 BC during the boyhood of Alexander the Great. About 150 years later it came under Roman influence following their defeat of Philip V. At that time, Thessaly was established as an autonomous protectorate. To celebrate its newfound freedom, the Thessalians minted a coin that honored not one, but TWO mainstays of Greek mythology: Apollo and Athena.

Ping-Ponged Between The Macedonians And Rome

Freedom for Thessalian Greeks was short-lived for just 50 years later the Macedonians re-conquered Thessaly only to once again be crushed by the Romans. To end the “Thessalian Issue” once and forever, the Romans annexed Thessaly and reduced all of northern Greece to a mere province. It was the final nail in the coffin to what had arguably been history’s most influential ancient culture.

Ancient Coins In Remarkably Good Condition

This bronze coin was struck at the mint in the city of Larissa between 196 and 146 BC and features Athena, goddess of wisdom and tact, o the reverse, and the laureate head of Apollo, god of the sun, on the obverse. Despite being more than 2,300 years old, this coin comes in remarkably good condition, a final enduring testament to the to the remarkable Greek culture. It will also come beautifully housed in a presentation box and accompanied by a storycard and a Certificate of Authenticity that features the signature of Robin L. Danzinger of the American Numismatic Association (ANA). Secure one of the last coins of ancient Greece now before our supply is ancient history!