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LUCANIA, HERAKLEA - AR Didrachm or nomos, 415-400 BC - CLASSICAL MASTERPIECE
weight 7,71gr. ; silver Ø 21mm.
obv. Wreathed head of Athena right, hair bound at nape of neck,
against background of aegis.
rev. Heracles seated lelft on rock draped with lion skin, holding one
handled jug in right hand and supporting himself on left arm; below,
club and shell resting against rock, HPAKΛEIΩN on left
This nomos is among the oldest Heraclean issues. According to scholars, it is ascribable to a die-engraver from Taras. The coin bears an unusual representation of Athena: without helmet, but framed on the adorned background of the aegis (shield covered with goat-skin), surrounded by snakes. The reverse shows an equally unusual Heracles: the hero is not occupied in one of his amazing labours, instead he is caught at a moment of rest, reclining (this scheme was subsequently resumed by Croton on its later coins) on a rock draped with a lion-skin (the most characteristic attribute of the hero) and holding a chalice in his right hand. A club leans against the rock. The relationship between Heracles, wine, and the Dionysian world is known from various sources: myth (Heracles was at the service of the vine-dresser Sileus; Heracles and Folus), archaeology (the well-known drunken Heracles from Herculaneum, before 79 AD), and literature. The great lyric poet Stesichorus (VI Cent. BC), probably born in Metauro (a Locrese colony not far from the modern Gioia Tauro in Calabria), refers in song to the struggle between the Centauri and Heracles over a pitcher of wine, a gift of Dionysus to the centaur Folus: "He took the right cup – it was a bowl / gigantic (nine litres / or thereabouts). He lifted it / he gulped down the mixture offered him by Folus".
An interesting portrait and a fascinating and finely detailed reverse composition of the finest classical style. Struck on a very broad flan and exceptionally complete for the issue. Of the highest rarity and interest. Among the finest known specimens of one of the most desirable coins of Magna Graecia.
♦ An absulute Classical masterpies, made by a great artist. Extremely rare. ♦
Jameson 232 (these dies) ; Work 1 ; Van Keuren 1 ; AMB 104 (these dies) ;
Gulbenkian 52 (this obverse die) ; Gillet 119 (these dies) ;
SNG Lloyd 269 (these dies) ; SNG ANS 45 (these dies) ;
Historia Numorum Italy 1362 RRR
(cf. NAC, auction 13, 8 october 1998, lot 104 in xf; SFR 58.000 + 15%)
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LUCANIA, HERAKLEA - SOSIBIOS, magistrate - AR Didrachm, 281-268 BC
weight 7,77gr. ; silver Ø 20mm.
obv. Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet decorated with wreath
rev. Naked Herakles standing left, holding one-handled jug, lion-skin and club,
left above Nikè flying right, holding wreath above his head, HPAKΛEIΩN in
field to right, ΣΩΣIBIOΣ in field to left
BMC - ; SNG.Copenhagen - ; SNG.München- ; SNG.Tübingen- ; Jameson- ;
SNG.ANS.83; Historia Numorum, Italy- ; McClean- ; Sear- (cf.396-397) RR
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Though Metapontion (Metapontum) is mentioned less than of Sybaris, Crotona, and Tarentum, yet all accounts agree in representing it as, in the days of its prosperity, one of the most opulent and flourishing of the cities of Magna Graecia. The fertility of its territory, especially in the growth of corn, vied with the neighbouring district of the Siritis. It is known that the Metapontines sent to the temple at Delphi an offering of a golden harvest, perhaps referring to a sheaf or bundle of corn wrought in gold. For the same reason an ear of corn became the characteristic symbol on their coins, the number and variety of which in itself sufficiently attests the wealth of the city. |
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LUCANIA, METAPONTION (METAPONTUM) - AR Nomos or tridrachm, 540-510 BC
weight 8,06gr. ; silver Ø 27mm.
obv. Ear of barley in high relief, META in left field,
within dotted border
rev. Same as obverse, but incuse and no legend
Metapontion was among the first of the Italian cities to strike coins. A rich agricultural community as is shown by the abundance of het early coinage with its types and symbols usually connected with the land, its presiding deities, products and plagues. During the sixth to the end of the fourth century and especially in the early years, she was uniformly prosperous. The city′s badge was an ear of barley, as is implied by her dedication of a golden ear to Apollo at Delphi, and this appears on the coinage throughout accompanied by the initial letters of the ethnic, usually META.
cf. NAC , Auction 154, Lot 1024 (in xf: SFR 15.000 + 22,5%)
BMC 3 ; SNS.ANS.166 ; SNG.Copenhagen 1158 ;
cf. SNG München 930 ; Historia Numorum, Italy 1459 ;
SNG.Tübingen 443 ; cf. SNG.Delepierre 299 ; McClean 897var. ;
Gulbenkian collection- ; Jameson - (cf. 260) ; Sear - (cf. 235) ;
Noe 13 ; HGC.1027 R
An attractive example of this very early type. Rare.
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LUCANIA, METAPONTION (METAPONTUM) - AR Nomos or tridrachm, 510-470 BC
weight 7,75gr. ; silver Ø 25mm.
obv. Ear of barley in high relief, META in lower right field,
within dotted border
rev. Same as obverse, but incuse, META, retrograde, in lower left field
Metapontion was among the first of the Italian cities to strike coins. A rich agricultural community as is shown by the abundance of het early coinage with its types and symbols usually connected with the land, its presiding deities, products and plagues. During the sixth to the end of the fourth century and especially in the early years, she was uniformly prosperous. The city′s badge was an ear of barley, as is implied by her dedication of a golden ear to Apollo at Delphi, and this appears on the coinage throughout accompanied by the initial letters of the ethnic, usually META.
♦ A fantastic and exceptionally well-preserved early nomos from Metapontion ♦
cf. BMC 7 ; SNS.ANS.215 ; cf. Noe 195 ; cf. SNG.Copenhagen 1164 ;
cf. SNG München 935 ; cf. Historia Numorum, Italy 1482 ;
SNG.Tübingen- (cf. 445) ; SNG.Delepierre 307var. ; cf. McClean 891
Gulbenkian collection- ; Jameson - ; Sear - ; cf. HGC.1028 RR
Well-struck and attractive piece of good metal with beautiful toning.
Very rare.
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LUCANIA, METAPONTION (METAPONTUM) - AR Nomos or tridrachm, 510-470 BC
weight 7,76gr. ; silver Ø 23mm.
obv. Ear of barley in high relief, MET, retrograde,in lower right field,
within dotted border
rev. Same as obverse, but incuse and no legend
Metapontion was among the first of the Italian cities to strike coins. A rich agricultural community as is shown by the abundance of het early coinage with its types and symbols usually connected with the land, its presiding deities, products and plagues. During the sixth to the end of the fourth century and especially in the early years, she was uniformly prosperous. The city′s badge was an ear of barley, as is implied by her dedication of a golden ear to Apollo at Delphi, and this appears on the coinage throughout accompanied by the initial letters of the ethnic, usually META.
BMC 30 ; SNS.ANS.227var. ; cf. SNG.Copenhagen 1163 ;
cf. SNG München 935-937 ; Historia Numorum, Italy 1482 ;
SNG.Tübingen 445 ; SNG.Delepierre 307var. ; McClean 900 ;
SNG.Oxford 657 ; Gulbenkian collection- ; Jameson - ;
Sear - ; Noe 191 ; cf. HGC.1028 R
Some small edge failures. Rare.
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LUCANIA, METAPONTION (METAPONTUM) - AR Nomos or tridrachm, 510-470 BC
weight 7,64gr. ; silver Ø 25,5mm.
obv. Ear of barley in high relief, META in lower left field,
within dotted border
rev. Same as obverse, but incuse and no legend
Metapontion was among the first of the Italian cities to strike coins. A rich agricultural community as is shown by the abundance of het early coinage with its types and symbols usually connected with the land, its presiding deities, products and plagues. During the sixth to the end of the fourth century and especially in the early years, she was uniformly prosperous. The city′s badge was an ear of barley, as is implied by her dedication of a golden ear to Apollo at Delphi, and this appears on the coinage throughout accompanied by the initial letters of the ethnic, usually META.
cf. BMC 16-20 ; SNG.Copenhagen - (cf.1161) ;
SNG München - ; Historia Numorum, Italy 1459var. ;
SNG.Tübingen 443var. ; SNG.Delepierre 304var. ;
Gulbenkian collection- ; Jameson - ; SNS.ANS.217 ;
McClean 898 ; Sear - ; Noe 131 ; HGC.1028
Some edge failures and small bumb,
otherwise attractive specimen in high reliëf
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LUCANIA, METAPONTION (METAPONTUM) - AR 1/6 Nomos, triobol or hemidrachm, 470-440 BC
weight 1,30gr. ; silver Ø 12,5mm.
obv. Ear of barley, MET (retrograde) in field to left,
OΠA in field to right
rev. Bucranium, incuse
cf. BMC 39-43 ; McClean 911var. ; Noe 291var. ;
SNG.Delepierre 311-312var. ; SNG.ANS.272 ;
SNG.Copenhagen 1176-1180var. ; SNG.München 944-946var. ;
SNG.Tübingen 448-450var. ; Historia Numorum, Italy 1487 ;
Sear 239var. ; HGC 1, 1071var. RR
Light traces of oxidation. Very rare.
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LUCANIA, METAPONTION (METAPONTUM) - AR Nomos or tridrachm, circa 440-430 BC
weight 7,86gr. ; silver Ø 22mm.
obv. Ear of barley, META to left, within dotted border
rev. Nude Apollo standing left, holding laureltree in his right hand and bow in his left.
This coin is minted in a transition period, between the incuse coinage and the beginning of the series with heads of deities on the obverse which then became characteristic of Metapontion. On the obverse we still see the usual ear of barley, but the reverse now depicts the elegant figure of a nude Apollo. Although this cointype is numerous presented in museal collections, we do not see it often offered, certainly not in this wonderful state of preservation. Very rare.
SNS.ANS.277 ; Noe 315 ; cf. SNG.Copenhagen 1185 ;
SNG München 949 ; Historia Numorum, Italy 1496 ;
Jameson 266 ; Holloway 2 ; McClean 919 ;
Kraay page 179, no.597 ; Sear- (cf. 398) ; HGC.1035 RR
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LUCANIA, METAPONTION (METAPONTUM) - AR 1/9 Nomos or diobol, circa 440-430 BC
weight 0,67gr. ; silver Ø 9mm.
Anepigraphic issue.
obv. Ear of barley, small lizard in field to right
rev. Bearded head of man-faced bull right (rivergod Archelaos),
value O - O across fields
Achelous was the Greek river god and personification of the Achelous River, the longest river in Greece. He was the son of the Titans Oceanus and Tethys and is considered the chief of his many river god brothers. He is the god of fresh water, and all springs, rivers, and seas were believed to flow from him. He was known for his shape-shifting abilities. A famous myth recounts his battle with Heracles for the hand of Deianeira, during which Achelous took the form of a bull before Heracles tore off one of his horns. He is often depicted as a powerful, bearded man, sometimes a bull, and is associated with the cornucopia (a symbol of plenty). He is said to have fathered the Sirens with the Muse Terpsicore.
It concerns here a 1/9 nomos, 1/3 drachm or diobol. The double O Ο on the reverse is, of course, the initial letter of the denomination (diobolos). This is one of a number of coins from Magna Graecia and Sicily that bear denomination letters like this, which shows that the standard of literacy in those areas must have been quite high. Very rare.
BMC 55-56 ; McClean 921 ; Noe 348 ; HGC 1, 1076var. (R2) ;
Historia Numorum, Italy 1492 ; SNG.München - ; Weber 746var. ;
Jameson collection - ; SNG.Delepierre - ; SNG.Tübingen - ;
SNG.Copenhagen - ; SNG.ANS.290var. ; SNG.München - ;
Numista 392471 RR
a very rare coin type
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LUCANIA, METAPONTION - AR Nomos or tridrachm, circa 400-350 BC
weight 7,73gr. ; silver Ø 21mm.
obv. Head of Nikè to right, wearing amphyx and sphendone tied in front,
ornamented behind with three stars, earring with single pendant and necklace
with ornament, in front of the forehead, reading upwards, NIKA
rev. Ear of barley with leaf to left, above leaf pomegranate on stalk,
METAPONTION
The appearance of Nikè on this coin, clearly identified with her name on the obverse, almost certainly must relate to a contemporary victory, but which one is at present unknown. Very rare.
BMC 141 ; McClean- ; Sear - ; Noe 495 ; SNG.Copenhagen - ;
Jameson collection - ; Gulbenkian collection - ; SNG.ANS.373 ;
SNG.München - ; SNG.Tübingen - ; SNG. Delepierre - ;
Noe 486 ; McClean- ; Historia Numorum Italy, 1526 ; HGC.1047 RR
Of a most attractive and sedate late Classical style. Toned.
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LUCANIA, METAPONTION (METAPONTUM) - SINGED WORK BY THE ARTIST ARISTOXENOS - AR Nomos or tridrachm, circa 375-350 BC
weight 7,74gr. ; silver Ø 19mm.
obv. Head of Demeter (or Persephone) to left, wearing ampyx,
necklace with bifurcate pendant, earring and sphendone ornamented with
eight fout-pointed stars. Short locks of looses hair are above the ear and
the sphendone. A tiny spray of barley behind her head, tip downwards.
On the tranche of the neck APIΣTO. The whole is in an linear circle.
rev. Ear of barley, META to left
The dies of this masterpiece is made by the artist diecutter Aristoxenos. The influence of the Syracusan tetradrachms as per Tudeer 48 and 51 is evident in this coin. The outstanding quality of his work is a signature in itself, but we can also see (parts) of his signature APIΣTO on the neck tranche.
Another remarkability, typical for Aristoxenos, are the dotted letters ETA in META. Why the M is liniair and the letters ETA are dotted can probably only answered by Aristoxenos.The dies signed by Aristoxenos are among the finest in the whole Metapontine series; his work is also known at Heraklea and must date from circa 375 BC. Extremely rare.
SNG.ANS.- ; Noe 336 ; cf. SNG.Copenhagen - ;
SNG München - ; Historia Numorum, Italy 1521 ;
Jameson - ; Holloway 2 ; McClean- ;
Sear- ; HGC.1045 RRR
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LUCANIA, METAPONTION (METAPONTUM) - KING ALEXANDER I OF MOLOSSIA - AV 1/3 Stater, circa 334-332 BC
weight 2,63gr. ; gold Ø 13mm.
obv. Head of Demeter right, wearing stephane and pendant earring
rev. Barley stalk, bird right on leaf to right, METAΠON to left
Gold coins of Magna Graecia are scarce and were only minted for exceptional occasions, such as paying mercenaries. Most likely this rare issue was struck when Alexander Molossos, the Epirote King, helped Metapontion against the Lucanians and Bruttians.
Alexander Molossos was born as a son of king Neoptolemumos II of Epirus. When Neoptolemus died in circa 357 BC, his son Alexander was only a child and his brother Arrybas became the sole king. In circa 350 BC, Alexander was brought to the court of Philip II of Macedon in order to protect him. In 342/3 in his late 20s, Philip made him king of Epirus, after dethroning his uncle Arybbas. When Olympias, wife of Philip II of Macedon and sister of Alexander Molossos, was repudiated by her husband in 337 BC, she went to her brother, and endeavoured to induce him to make war on Philip. Alexander, however, declined the contest, and formed a second alliance with Philip by agreeing to marry the daughter of Philip (Alexander′s niece) Cleopatra. During the wedding in 336 BC, Philip was assassinated by Pausanias of Orestis.
In 334 BC, Alexander I, at the request of the Greek colony of Taras (in Magna Graecia), crossed over into Italy, to aid them in battle against several Italic tribes, including the Lucanians and Bruttii. After a victory over the Samnites and Lucanians near Paestum in 332 BC, he made a treaty with the Romans. He then took Heraclea from the Lucanians, and Terina and Sipontum from the Bruttii. Through the treachery of some Lucanian exiles, he was compelled to engage under unfavourable circumstances in the Battle of Pandosia and was killed by a Lucanian. He left a son, Neoptolemus, and a daughter, Cadmea. Molossus was Alexander the Great′s uncle and Olympia′s (mother of Alexander the Great) brother. He was also an uncle of Pyrrhus of Epirus.
cf. NAC Auction 124, lot 29 (in nearly xf : SFR 46.000 + 23%)
SNG Lockett 406 ; SNG.ANS 395 ; Historia Numorum, Italy 1578 ;
Noe-Johnston 3, G1 and pl. 18 ; SNG Lloyd - ; SNG Copenhagen- ;
Jameson - ; Gulbenkian - ; Pozzi collection - ; Weber collection - ;
Sear- ; HGC.1022 RR
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LUCANIA, METAPONTION (METAPONTUM) - AR Nomos or tridrachm, circa 330-320 BC
weight 7,74gr. ; silver Ø 20mm.
obv. Laureate head of Zeus Eleutherios right, in front EΛEYΘEPIOΣ,
behind head Δ
rev. Ear of barley on stem with leaf left, upo which crouching Silenus, A below leaf,
on right META written downwards
Attractive specimen of this difficult issue. Wonderful style.
Very rare.
cf. NAC, auction 72, lot 292 (in xf; SFR 30.000 + 18%)
BMC-(vgl.88) ; SNG. Copenhagen- ; SNG.München 988 ; SNG.Tübingen- ;
SNG.Delepierre-; SNG.ANS.451(same dies); Historia Numorum Italy 1557;
cf.McClean 973 ; Johnston Class A 2.1 ( = SNG.ANS.451) RR
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LUCANIA, METAPONTION - AR 1/9 Nomos or Diobol, circa 325-275 BC
weight 0,70gr. ; silver Ø 11mm.
obv. Head of youthful Apollo Karneios left,
wearing ram′s horn around ear
rev. Ear of barley with leaf to right on which stand a tripod
The origin and the meaning of Karneios was obcure already in ancient times. According to Praxilla of Sikyon, a Greek poetess of the 5th century BC, Karneios was the son of Zeus and Europa, nursed by Leto and Apollo who was fallen in love to him. For the origin of his name there are different explanations, but today most probable explanation is the following: Karneios was an old pre-Dorian shepherd and ram god (Greek karnos = ram), who was already found by the Dorians when they invaded the Peloponnesos and whom they melted together with their own Apollo. He is closely related to Apollo Kereates, to Apollo Keraton. The cult of Apollo Karneios extended mostly to the Peloponnesos and the Dorian colonies. Main places of worshipping Apollo Karneios were Sparta, Sikyon, Thera, Kos and the colonies of Magna Graecia and Kyrene.
The ethnic (META) is missing on this remarkle diobol. Extremely rare.
BMC - (cf. 156) ; McClean- ; Sear- (cf. 419) ; Jameson collection - (cf. 304) ;
Noe F8.1 ; SNG.München- (cf.1004) ; SNG.Copenhagen - (cf. 1235-1237) ;
SNG.Tübingen- (cf. 461) ; SNG.ANS.- (cf.520) ; Jameson- (cf.328) ;
Rutter, Historia Numorum Italy,- ; SNG.Delepierre - ; HGC - (cf. 1079) RRR
Delicate late Classical, early Hellenistic style.
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LUCANIA, METAPONTION (METAPONTUM) - AR 1/6 Nomos, hemidrachm or triobol, 325-275 BC
weight 1,27gr. ; silver Ø 11mm.
obv. Head of Athena right, wearing plain Corinthian helmet with long neck-flap,
METAPONTION in front
rev. Ear of barley with leaf to right, above which cornucopiae and A below,
META to left
Coins of this type are usually struck as diobol, with weights that range between 0,80 and 1,10 gram. This example is considerably heavier, which justifies the assumption that it concerns here a hemidrachm or triobol and not a diobol. It seems to be unpublished as such. Extremely rare.
cf. BMC 161 ; SNG.München- (cf.1008) ; SNG.Copenhagen 1233 ;
SNG.Tübingen- ; cf. SNG.ANS.531 ; Historia Numorum, Italy- (cf. 1596) ;
cf. SNG.München 1007-1009 ; cf. McClean 1000 ; cf. Johnston F22 ;
HGC- (cf.1078) RRRR
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LUCANIA, METAPONTION - PERIOD OF PYRRHUS, STRUCK FOR THE LUCANI - AR Drachm, ca.280-275 BC
weight 2,57gr. ; silver Ø 15mm.
obv. Head of Athena right, wearing winged and crested Athenian helmet
rev. Ear of barley with leaf to right, above which club
Two countermarks on the reverse; one unclear, one with owl standing right.
This coin normally has a K or ΛYK-monogram in the right field.
Because of the countermark, this is not visible.
Previously, this coin type was attributed to the Hannibal period (ca. 212-207 BC). However, studies and research by ESG Robinson have made it more likely that these drachmas were minted for the Lucani during the time of Pyrrhus of Epirus presence in southern Italy.
Pyrrhus of Epirus (c. 319–272 BC) was a Greek king and one of the most famous military commanders of antiquity, known for his expensive victories against Rome that led to the term "Pyrrhic victory". He was a relative of Alexander the Great who became king of Epirus in 306 BC after being exiled as a child. Four years later he was dethroned by Kassander. He saw action during the Wars of the Diadochi and regained his throne in 297 BC with the support of Ptolemaios I Soter. During the eponymous Pyrrhic War of 280–275 BC, Pyrrhus fought Rome at the behest of Tarentum, scoring costly victories at Heraclea and Asculum. He proceeded to take over Sicily from Carthage but was soon driven out, and lost all his gains in Italy after the Battle of Beneventum in 275 BC. Pyrrhus seized the Macedonian throne from Antigonos II Gonatas in 274 BC and invaded the Peloponnese in 272 BC. The Epirote assault on Sparta was thwarted, however, and Pyrrhus was killed during a street battle at Argos.
♦ a highly interesting and rare historical coin ♦
BMC 150 ; SNG.München 1010 ; SNG.Copenhagen 1241 ;
SNG.Delepierre 343 ; Rutter, Historia Numorum Italy, 2680 ;
SNG.ANS.548 ; SNG.Tübingen- ; Jameson- ; McClean 994 ;
SNG.Oxford 803-804 ; Sear 422 R
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LUCANIA, POSEIDONIA - AR Nomos or tridrachm, 470 - 455 BC
weight 8,07gr. ; silver Ø 18mm.
local Poseidoniat standard
obv. Poseidon, naked but for chlamys over shoulders,
advancing right, brandishing trident, ΠOME on right
rev. Bull standing left, within shallow circular incuse, ΠOME (reversed) above
Poseidonia was a major ancient Greek city on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea in
Magna Graecia (southern Italy). It was around 600 BC that Greeks from Sybaris
founded the city named Poseidonia, from the name of Poseidon, the god of the sea.
BMC 25var. ; SNG.Copenhagen 1279 ; SNG.ANS.651 ; cf. Sear 424 ;
SNG.Delepierre 351 ; SNG.München 1057 ; HGC 1, no. 1151 ;
Historia Numorum Italy 1114 R
Attractive and well-centred piece with beautiful depiction of Poseidon. Rare.
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LUCANIA, POSEIDONIA - AR Stater or didrachm, 470 - 455 BC
weight 8,00gr. ; silver Ø 18mm.
local Poseidoniat standard
obv. Poseidon, naked but for chlamys over shoulders,
advancing right, brandishing trident, ΠOME on right
rev. Bull standing left, within shallow circular incuse, ΠOME (reversed) above
Poseidonia was a major ancient Greek city on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea in
Magna Graecia (southern Italy). It was around 600 BC that Greeks from Sybaris
founded the city named Poseidonia, from the name of Poseidon, the god of the sea.
BMC 25var. ; SNG.Copenhagen 1279 ; SNG.ANS.651 ; cf. Sear 424 ;
SNG.Delepierre 351 ; SNG.München 1057 ; HGC 1, no. 1151 ;
Historia Numorum Italy 1114 R
Some minor scuffs on obverse. Rare.
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LUCANIA, POSEIDONIA - AR ¼ Obol or tetartemorion, circa 450-430 BC
weight 0,19gr. ; silver Ø 7mm.
obv. Poseidon, naked but for chlamys, advancing right,
brandishing trident, ΠO behind
rev. Scallop-shell, x x x below
This seems to be a completely unknown and unpublished coin type. The scallop-shell is a maritime symbol, which in that sense is not an illogical combination with the sea god Poseidon, but we do not normally encounter it at the coinage of Poseidonia. The scallop-shell, on the other hand, is characteristic of the early coinage of Taras and is a symbol of that city. So this seems to be a monetary alliance between the cities of Poseidonia and Taras. Poseidon symbolizes Poseidonia, the scallop-shell for Taras. Such monetary alliances are not unusual for that period in Magna Graecia and are also seen in other cities, such as, for example, Kroton with Sybaris. The three crosses under the shell seem to indicate the value of the coin. We also see this in the tetartemorions of Taras from the 5th century BC, but in the form of three dots. The tetartemorion was again subdivided into 3 chalci. A unit that was never minted as a silver coin, but was minted in later periods in the form of bronze coins. It goes back to units of account that predate the coinage. Historically and numismatically coin of great importance which needs more study. Coin and of the greatest rarity, possibly unique.
BMC- ; SNG.Copenhagen- ; SNG.ANS.- ; SNG.München- ; SNG.Tübingen- ;
Slg.Klein- ; Jameson collection- ; Babelon- ; McClean- ; Rosen collection- ;
Dewing collection- ; Sear- ; HGC 1, --- RRRR
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LUCANIA, POSEIDONIA - AR Stater or didrachm, circa 445-420 BC
weight 7,87gr. ; silver Ø 20mm.
local Poseidoniat standard
obv. Poseidon, naked but for chlamys over shoulders,
advancing right, brandishing trident, ΠOMES on right,
E on left
rev. Bull walking left on liniair and dotted line, ΠOΣEIΔA above, Ξ below
Like the dolphin also the bull was a symbol for Poseidon.
cf. Künker Auktion 416, Lot 1527 (in xf- € 22.500 incl. commission)
BMC- ; SNG.ANS.676 ; Noe 18a ; SNG.Copenhagen- ;
cf. HGC 1, no.1153 ; cf. Historia Numorum Italy 1127-1128 ;
SNG.München 1064 ; cf. Sear 424 RR
This coin is of exceptionally fine style and with attractive tone.
A really wonderful piece.Very rare.
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LUCANIA, POSEIDONIA - AR 1/6 Stater of diobol, circa 450-400 BC
weight 1,06gr. ; silver Ø 9mm.
obv. Poseidon, naked but for chlamys, advancing right,
brandishing trident, ΠOM in front
rev. Bull standing
Poseidonia was a major ancient Greek city on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea in
Magna Graecia (southern Italy). It was around 600 BC that Greeks from Sybaris
founded the city named Poseidonia, from the name of Poseidon, the god of the sea.
BMC 48var. ; SNG.Copenhagen 1297var. ; SNG.ANS.- (vgl.635) ;
SNG.München- ; Historia Numorum- (cf. 1143-1147) ;
cf. HGC 1, no. 1159 ; cf. Sear 426 RR
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LUCANIA - SIRINOS - AR Nomos or tridrachm, circa 540-510 BC (ex. Rosen Collection)
weight 8,10gr. ; silver Ø 27mm.
obv. Bull walking left, looking backwards,
ΣIPIN retrograde in exergue (in archaic characters)
rev. Incuse bull standing right, looking backwards. No text.
The unusual fabric of this piece follows a style peculiar to Greek southern Italy in the archaic period: A broad, thin flan, obverse depicted in relief, the reverse repeating the obverse motif but in negative relief, or incuse, and reversed. Creating such coins required a high degree of technical skill and quality control. The reasons for the popularity of this fabric are poorly understood; some scholars have postulated a connection to the mathematician-philosopher Pythagoras, who was active in Italy during this period and taught a creed which stressed the duality of mankind′s nature and all existence.
The word "Sirinos" was thought at one time to be the adjective relating to Siri, the city on the Ionian coast which was well known for its wealth and which was destroyed by the coalition of Sybaris, Metapontum and Croton in the years 570-560. Paola Zancani Montuoro, however, believes that the word in question is a noun and, for a variety of reasons, argues that a city called "Sirinos" (of the Sirini, a population from Lucania of which Pliny the Elder speaks in his "Naturalis historia" III 15, 97) existed and was situated about 30 km from Policastro. It has probably been identified in the ruins of a vast inhabited area on a rocky peak which stretches along the valley of Lauria near Rivello and which is still known as "The City". The bull looking backwards, and the coin′s weight, are typical of Sybaritic coins.
This coin related to those issued jointly by Siris & Pyxus, which carry the Pyxus ethnic on the reverse. While the latter are not common, coins with the name of Sirinos alone are extremely rare. Two examples appeared in the Sambon-Canessa sale, 7 may 1903 (Maddalena), 400, 401. One examiner of this specimen believes there may be traces of the Pyxus legend on the reverse. Examination under the microscope at the ANS, however has not revealed traces of an inscription or of tampering with the die. Until recently, the obverse legend was associated with the city of Siris. Now, with the discovery of the site of Sirinos close to Pixys, Sirinos seems the more likely mint. (see Kraay, ACGC.page 166). Coin of great numismatic importance and if the highest rarity.
provenance: ex. Rosen collection, which was catalogued by
Nancy M. Waggoner for the American Numismatic Society.
cf. NAC Auction 59 (the more common alliance stater of Sirinos & Pyxis), lot 503
(in xf : CHF 110.000 +17,5%)
BMC 1-2var. ; SNG.ANS.- (cf.816) ; SNG.Copenhagen- (cf.1387) ;
SNG.München- (cf. 1153var. ; Jameson Coll.- (cf.344) ; Gorini- (cf. 2) ;
Rosen Collection 14 (this coin) ; ABM- (cf, 166) ; cf. Gulbenkian Coll.83 ;
cf. CNG.review winter 2001-2002, no.7 ; cf. Pozzi 214 ; cf. Mangieri D 10 ;
cf. Historia Numorum 1722 ; cf. Babelon, traité I, 2085 and pl. LXVII, 3 ;
cf. Perret XVI ; Sear- (cf.244) RRR
Light scratches on the revese. Attractive tone.
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LUCANIA, SYBARIS - AR Nomos or tridrachm, 550 - 510 BC
weight 8,51gr. ; silver Ø 28mm.
obv. Bull standing left, looking back, VM in exergue
rev. Similiar to obverse, but incuse standing right. no legend
Sybaris was an important ancient Greek city situated on the coast of the Gulf of Taranto in modern Calabria, Italy. The city was founded around 720 BC by Achaean and Troezenian settlers and the Achaeans also went on to found the nearby great city of Kroton 10 years later. Sybaris amassed great wealth thanks to its fertile land and busy port so that it was known as the wealthiest colony of the Greek Archaic world. Sybaris had a huge population as a result of its fertile farming land and its policy of admitting aliens to its citizenry. It was the largest Greek city in Italy and may have had 300,000 inhabitants although others give a figure of 100,000. The circumference of the city was fifty stadia (9.7 km) and the area approximately 500 hectares. Sybaris was also a dominant power in the region and ruled over 4 tribes and 25 cities. Sybaris extended its dominion across the peninsula to the Tyrrhenian Sea, where it is thought to have founded its colonies Poseidonia, Laüs and Scidrus. Poseidonia was founded in approximately 600 BC, In the second half of the 7th century BC the Sybarites took over from the Oenotrians the sanctuary of Athena on the Timpone della Motta as their acropolis, located 15 km to the northwest, where they regularly celebrated large festivals. Its inhabitants became famous among the Greeks for their hedonism, feasts, and excesses, to the extent that "sybarite" and "sybaritic" have become bywords for opulence, luxury, and outrageous pleasure-seeking. Sybaris also ruled over smaller colonies throughout the area, and had an acropolis at Timpone della Motta near Francavilla Marittima about 10 km distant.
The city of Sybaris was destroyed in about 510 BC by its neighbour Kroton and its population driven out, but its colonies in the area continued to exist. It was replaced by a new colony under Athenian leadership in 444/43 BC which became the city Thurioi built partially on top of the older city. Thurioi was also destroyed in 193 BC but the Romans built the city of Copia on the same grid as Thurioi, and parts of these cities are visible today.
The first coins to be struck in Italy are of a unique and original form whose invention has been attributed to none other than Pythagoras, the Samian philosopher and mathematician with a reputation for being a skilled metal worker who migrated to Italy. Impressed in relief on one side and incuse or intaglio on the other, perhaps adopted from repousè work, these silver staters were struck on the Italic-Achaean standard unit of about 8.25 grams which on the authority of Aristotle was called nomos, meaning ′law or convention′. The unusual fabric of this piece follows a style peculiar to Greek southern Italy in the archaic period: A broad, thin flan, obverse depicted in relief, the reverse repeating the obverse motif but in negative relief, or incuse, and reversed. Creating such coins required a high degree of technical skill and quality control. The reasons for the popularity of this fabric are poorly understood.
The bull of this prolific issue is probably the tauromorphic river-god of this Achao-Troezanian foundation which lay on the fertile plain near the mouth of the river Krathis.
cf. NAC Auction 146, lot 2044 (in xf: SFR 13.475 incl. commission)
♦ Archaic coin of great beauty ♦
Sear 245 ; BMC 1 ; SNG.ANS.833 ; SNG.Copenhagen 1388 ;
S&S Class B, pl. XLVIII, 4–8 ; Gorini 2 ; Dewing 406-407 ;
SNG.Lloyd 449-450 ; Gillet 215 ; E. Spagnoli, La prima moneta
in Magna Grecia. Il caso di Sibari, 2013, Phase B ; HGC 1, 1231 ;
SNG.München 1154 ; Historia Numorum 1729 ; Jameson 1873 R
very attractive specimen with wonderful toning
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LUCANIA, THOURIOI - AR Nomos or Didrachm, 443-400 BC
weight 6,08gr. ; silver Ø 21mm.
obv. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Athenian helmet
bound with olive-wreath with one ivy-leaf
rev. Bull advancing right on ground, ΘOYPIΩΛ above,
tunny-fish right in exergue
variety: with ΘOYPIΩΛ instead of the correct ΘOYPIΩN
This coin has a very appealing style and is struck on a broad flan, so that the images are unusually complete. The bull on the reverse is taken from the city of Sybaris. Thourioi was built near the remains of the in 445 BC. destroyed Sybaris, who took this bull as a symbol. Very remarkable is the fact that an ivy leaf is included in the laurel wreath. This undoubtedly has a purpose and should perhaps be seen as the signature of an unknown artist. It could also refer to a particular event. The ivy leaf symbolizes the wine god Dionysos. At that time, there were certainly festivals held to worship Dionysos, and it may mark such an event. The style of this coin is closely related to the pieces of the Syracuse artist Phrygillos. Very rare.
cf. BMC 6 ; SNG.Copenhagen 1406var. ; SNG.München 1172var. ;
SNG.ANS.925var. ; Historia Numorum, Italy 1775var. ;
HGC 1, no. 1258var. (R2) ; cf. Sear 435 RR
(cf. Künker Auktion 367, lot 7026 in good vf: € 5.500 + 25%,
note: the Künker piece is much more common than the piece offered here)
Very attractive coin of great classical style.
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LUCANIA, THOURIOI - AR Distater or tetradrachm, 400 - 350 BC
weight 15,64gr. ; silver Ø 25mm.
obv. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Athenean helmet
ornamented with Skylla
rev. Bull butting right, ΘOYPIΩN above, tunny-fish right in exergue
Skylla was a sea-monster who haunted the rocks of a narrow strait opposite the whirlpool of Kharybdis (Charybdis). Ships who sailed too close to her rocks would lose six men to her ravenous, darting heads. Homer describes Skylla as a creature with twelve dangling feet, six long necks and grisly heads lined with a triple row of sharp teeth. Her voice was likened to the yelping of dogs. This description of Skylla is probably derived from the imagery of words associated with her name--namely, "hermit-crab" (Greek skyllaros), "dog" and "dog-shark" (skylax), and "to rend" (skyllô). In classical art she was depicted as a fish-tailed sea-goddess with a cluster of canine fore-parts surrounding her waist.
According to late classical writers she was once a beautiful nymph loved by the sea-god Glaukos (Glaucus), but her jealous rival, the witch Kirke (Circe), employed magic to transform her into a monster. Older poets, however, envisaged Skylla as simply a monster born into a monstrous family.
BMC 26 ; SNG.Copenhagen 1429 ; Noe F42 ; HGC 1, no. 1255 ;
SNG.München 1182var. ; Historia Numorum Italy 1805 R
Very attractive coin of classical style. Wonderful toning. Rare.
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LUCANIA, HYELA - AR Drachm, circa 465-440 BC
weight 3,98gr. ; silver Ø 15mm.
obv. Head of Nymph Hyele to right, hair rendered in lines which is
arranged in a krobylos held by a plain band. Bead necklace above truncation.
rev. Owl standing on olive-spray to right with closed wings, head facing,
VEΛH to left, K above spray
Williams sited only 1 specimen of this type; Berlin, Prokesch-Osten, Beschr.12.3.91.
According to Herodotus, in 545 BC Ionian Greeks fled Phocaea, in modern Turkey, which was being besieged by the Persians. After some wanderings (8 to 10 years) at sea, they stopped in Reggio Calabria, where they were probably joined by Xenophanes, who was at the time at Messina, and then moved north along the coast and founded the town of Hyele (circa 538/535 BC), later renamed Ele and then, eventually, Elea. The Romans named it Velia. The location is nearly at the same latitude as Phocaea. Its most famous inhabitant from the early days was undoubtedly the philosopher Parmenides of Elea, who lived there around 500. He founded the Eleatic school, a school of pre-Socratic philosophers. Other members of the school included Zeno of Elea and Melissus of Samos. Xenophanes is sometimes included in the list, though there is some dispute over this. Although the city was located in the territory of the Lucanians, they never managed to take it. In 273 BC the city made an alliance with the Romans. Due to its initially favorable location on the Tyrrhenian Sea, the city was especially in the 5th and 4th century BC through a flowering period. Numerous remnants of this city can still be seen today.
BMC- (cf. 12) ; SNG.Copenhagen- (cf. 1530) ; SNG.ANS- (cf. 1234) ;
SNG.München- (cf. 842) ; McClean- (cf. 1411) ; Williams 99 (same dies) ;
cf. Historia Numorum, Italy 1265 ; HCG 1, no.1328 ; Sear- (cf.452) RRRR
Extremely rare. Very attractive coin with appealing patina.
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LUCANIA, HYELE - AR Didrachm, circa 420-380 BC
weight 7,11gr. ; silver Ø 19mm.
obv. Head of nymph to right in early classical style,
hair in krobylos and held by a plain band
rev. Lion to right with its hindquarters set higher than its head on groundline,
above owl flying right, VEΛHTEΩN in exergue
According to Herodotus, in 545 BC Ionian Greeks fled Phocaea, in modern Turkey, which was being besieged by the Persians. After some wanderings (8 to 10 years) at sea, they stopped in Reggio Calabria, where they were probably joined by Xenophanes, who was at the time at Messina, and then moved north along the coast and founded the town of Hyele (circa 538/535 BC), later renamed Ele and then, eventually, Elea. The Romans named it Velia. The location is nearly at the same latitude as Phocaea. Its most famous inhabitant from the early days was undoubtedly the philosopher Parmenides of Elea, who lived there around 500. He founded the Eleatic school, a school of pre-Socratic philosophers. Other members of the school included Zeno of Elea and Melissus of Samos. Xenophanes is sometimes included in the list, though there is some dispute over this. Although the city was located in the territory of the Lucanians, they never managed to take it. In 273 BC the city made an alliance with the Romans. Due to its initially favorable location on the Tyrrhenian Sea, the city was especially in the 5th and 4th century BC through a flowering period. Numerous remnants of this city can still be seen today.
SNG.ANS.473 ; SNG.Copenhagen 1527 ; Sear- (cf. 451) ;
BMC 7 ; Historia Numorum Italy- (cf. 1277) ; cf. HGC 1, 1307
Attractive dark patina. Rare.
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LUCANIA, HYELE - AR Stater or Didrachm, circa 334-300 BC
weight 7,50gr. ; silver Ø 19mm.
Kleudoros Group
obv. Head of Athena left, wearing Attic helmet decorated with laurel-wreath,
KΛE-monogram behind
rev. Lion to left with right foreleg raised on groundline, VEΛHTEΩN in exergue
According to Herodotus, in 545 BC Ionian Greeks fled Phocaea, in modern Turkey, which was being besieged by the Persians. After some wanderings (8 to 10 years) at sea, they stopped in Reggio Calabria, where they were probably joined by Xenophanes, who was at the time at Messina, and then moved north along the coast and founded the town of Hyele (circa 538/535 BC), later renamed Ele and then, eventually, Elea. The Romans named it Velia. The location is nearly at the same latitude as Phocaea. Its most famous inhabitant from the early days was undoubtedly the philosopher Parmenides of Elea, who lived there around 500. He founded the Eleatic school, a school of pre-Socratic philosophers. Other members of the school included Zeno of Elea and Melissus of Samos. Xenophanes is sometimes included in the list, though there is some dispute over this. Although the city was located in the territory of the Lucanians, they never managed to take it. In 273 BC the city made an alliance with the Romans. Due to its initially favorable location on the Tyrrhenian Sea, the city was especially in the 5th and 4th century BC through a flowering period. Numerous remnants of this city can still be seen today.
cf. Peus nachf. Auktion 433, Lot 1032 in vf/xf (€ 3.000 + 22%)
BMC- ; SNG.ANS.1318 ; SNG.Copenhagen- ; Sear- ;
SNG.München 863 ; Historia Numorum Italy 1298 ; HGC 1, 1317 R
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LUCANIA, HYELE - AR Stater or Didrachm, circa 334-300 BC
weight 7,04gr. ; silver Ø 20mm.
Kleidoros Group
obv. Head of Athena to left, wearing Phrygian helmet, the bowl
of which is decorated which centauress, the neck-guard is plain,
KΛE-monogram behind
rev. Lion standing to left, tearing prey, above A,
below KΛE-monogram, in exergue; ΥΕΛHΤΩΝ
BMC 74 ; SNG.Copenhagen 1563var. ; SNG.ANS.1321 ;
SNG.München 866 ; McClean 1447 ; Williams Section 59, 325 ;
Historia Numorum Italy 1294 ; HGC 1, 1314
(cf. Künker Auktion 367, lot 7030 in xf- corroded and with scratches:
€ 3.000 + 25%)
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LUCANIA, HYELA - AR Stater or didrachm, circa 334-300 BC
weight 7,04gr. ; silver Ø 20mm.
Kleidoros Group
obv. Head of Athena to left, wearing Phrygian helmet, the bowl
of which is decorated which centauress, the neck-guard with
scroll paterns KΛE-monogram behind
rev. Lion standing to left, tearing prey, above Φ, below KΛE-monogram
and Φ, in exergue; ΥΕΛHΤΩΝ
BMC 79var. ; SNG.Copenhagen 1562var. ; SNG.ANS.1323 ;
SNG.München 873var. ; McClean 1450 ; Williams Section 60, cf. 326 ;
Historia Numorum Italy 1294var. ; cf. HGC 1, 1314 RR
(cf. Künker Auktion 367, lot 7030 in xf- corroded and with scratches:
€ 3.000 + 25%)
Light corroded surfaces. Very rare
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LUCANIA, HYELE - AR Stater or Didrachm, circa 300-280 BC
weight 7,46gr. ; silver Ø 22mm.
Philistion Group
obv. Head of Athena to left, wearing Phrygian helmet, the bowl of which is
decorated which griffin with curled wing, the neck-guard with scroll paterns,
behind Θ
rev. Lion to right, with frontal head, tearing a ram’s head wit hits jaws
and forepaws, above cicada between Φ and I, in exergue; ΥΕΛΕΤΩΝ
cf. Peus nachf. Auktion 433, Lot 1033 in vf/xf (€ 3.000 + 22%)
BMC 90 ; SNG.Copenhagen 1587 ; SNG.ANS.1361 ;
SNG.München 879 ; McClean- ; Williams Section 71, 411-423 ;
Pozzi 257 ; Historia Numorum Italy 1305 ; HGC 1, 1322
Perfectly centred coin with attractive cabinet tone with iridescent hues.
Wonderful coin.
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