AENUS SILVER TETRADRACHM – ISSUE EX AUCTIONES SA 1976 SALE – CHOICE XF FINE STYLE NGC GRADED GREEK THRACE COIN (Inv. 20400)

20400. THRACE. AENUS. Ca. 475-400 BC.
Silver Tetradrachm, 15.65 g, 25 mm.
Obv. Head of Hermes right, wearing petasos. Rev. AINI, goat striding right, caduceus in right field, all within incuse square.
May Group XXXI, 258b (A161/P167); HGC 3, 1269; Boston 779.
Ex Künker 304, 3/19/2018, lot 214 = Ex Auctiones A.G. Basel 6, 9/30/1976, lot 79.
NGC graded CHOICE XF, Strike 4/5, Surface 2/5, FINE STYLE, glossy dark gray patina.

Local mythology held that the Greek city of Aenus (Ainos) in coastal Thrace was originally founded by a son of Apollo, although historically it was probably settled by colonists from Alopekonnessos. The chief deity of the city was Hermes, not only due to the role of Aenus as a center of commerce between Greeks and inland Thracians, but also due to the tradition that an ancient wooden cult image of the god was brought to shore near the city. At first, it was mistaken by local fishermen as an oddly shaped piece of driftwood. When it was discovered that it would always return when cast into the sea and that it would not burn, the fishermen realized that it was a sacred image of the god. It was subsequently housed in a temple dedicated to Hermes. As a god known for his protection of herds, Hermes’ sacred animal, the goat, appears on the reverse of this coin.