Greece (Gaul) 121-82 BC Obole of Marseille, Head of Lacydon to the left - MA (c.121-82) VF

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Charming silver obol from the coinage of the Greek city of Massalia, struck between 121 and 82 BC. At this pivotal time, Massalia — founded six centuries earlier by Phocaean colonists from Asia Minor — coexisted with the brand new Roman province of Gallia Narbonensis, while jealously preserving its monetary and commercial privileges.

The obverse reveals the profile of Lacydon turned to the left, the tutelary figure of the city whose name immortalizes the legendary Phocaean shepherd who, according to tradition, guided the first Greek colonists to the natural site of the Lacydon — the current Old Port of Marseille. The reverse features the four-spoked wheel marked with the letters MA, a distinctive hallmark of Massalian coinage, whose solar symbolism reflects the influence of Celtic cultures from the Gallic hinterland on the city's artisans.

A small module coin with an irregular flan, this obol is one of the oldest coins struck on the soil of present-day France.

Condition: XF — sharp details for this type of ancient coin, beautiful uniform old patina.

 

 

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