JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS

Thessaly, Larissa, AR Triobol. c. 500‑490 B.C. Head. of Jason wearing kausia.  Reverse: Jason's sandal within incuse square.  SNG COP 89.  This remarkable type is one of the only ancient coins referring to Jason or the pursuit of the golden fleece. Jason, as a child, escaped with his parents from his home city of Iolcus which was being usurped by Pelias.  His parents staged a false funeral and announced his death and then turned him over to the centaur Chiron for his upbringing.  Upon reaching maturity, Jason returned to reclaim his city, but had lost a sandal while fording a river.  Pelias had received a warning that a man with one sandal would be fatal to him, so he convinced Jason to pursue the Golden Fleece hoping that he would never return.