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Klazomenai, IoniaLate 4th century BC
AE12 (12mm, 1.79g)
O: Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with olive leaves, and triple pendant earring.
R: Head of ram to right; KΛΑ below.
Sear 4322
ex JAZ Numismatics
4 commentsEnodiaApr 03, 2024

Taras, Calabria 272-240/35 BC
AR Didrachm (21mm, 6.11g)
Philemenos magistrate.
O: Naked boy riding horse right; [ΦI] before, ΦIΛHME-NOΣ (magistrate) below.
R: Taras riding dolphin right, holding tripod in extended right hand, trident upwards in left; filleted bucranium in field to right, [T]APAΣ below.
D'Andrea XLIV, 1391; Vlasto 884-87; SNG ANS 1204; HGC I, 891; HN Italy 1035
Scarce
ex Senatus Consulto
3 commentsEnodiaMar 12, 2024

Kroton, Bruttium 300-250 BC
AE13 (13mm, 2.03g)
O: Octopus
R: Scallop shell
Vlasto 1855; SNG Cop 1089; HN Italy 1095 (as Taras); SNG ANS 447 (as Kroton); HN Italy 2240 (as Kroton)
Rare
ex Bertolami Fine Arts

A very rare and enigmatic coin with conflicted attributions.
SNG Copenhagen places this coin at Taras, as does Vlasto, although Vlasto puts it under the heading "Bronze Coins Doubtfully Attributed to Tarentum" and claims Kroton as a probable alternative.
SNG ANS gives it clearly to Kroton, while HN Italy seems to attribute both cities with varying catalog numbers.
I believe this coin is likely from Kroton as this city-state often used the octopus as a common device.2 commentsEnodiaMar 11, 2024

Arpi, Apulia 275-250 BC
AE 26 (21x26mm, 6.28g)
O: Horse galloping right; APΠI / NOY above and below.
R: Bull butting right.
SNG ANS 644; SNG Cop 608; HGC I, 535; Sear 570; HN Italy 645
ex Marc Breitsprecher
3 commentsEnodiaFeb 27, 2024

Heiropolis, Phrygia 2nd-3rd century BC
Pseudo-autonomous
AE Assarion (19mm, 3.92g)
O: Bust of Hekate/Selene right on cresent.
R: Winged Nemesis standing facing with head left, holding bridle and plucking chiton from breast; IEPAΠOΛITΩN.
Scarce
SNG Cop 419-20; BMC 19
ex GB Collection

"O Selene, driver of the silver car! If thou art Hekate of many names, if in the night thou doest shake thy mystic torch in brandcarrying hand, come nightwanderer."
~ ApuliusEnodiaFeb 23, 2024

Taras, Calabria 290-281 BC
AR Diobol (12mm, 1.13g)
O: Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with Skylla.
R: Herakles kneeling right, wrestling the Nemean lion; crab above, club behind.
D'Andrea XL, 956; D'Andrea Diobols F, 154; HN Italy 976; Vlasto ----; Cote ---; SNG France ----; McGill ---
Scarce
ex Pavlos S. Pavlou

A scarce variety with the crab control mark, unlisted in most major references.2 commentsEnodiaSep 19, 2023

Taras, Calabria 302--228 BC
AR Hemiobol (7.5mm, 0.24g)
O: Scallop shell with seven teeth, within linear border.
R: Two crescents back to back, with two pellets above and below.
Vlasto 1789-91; SNG France 2258-60; Cote 181; HN Italy 926
Very scarce
From the Anders collection; ex Roma Auctions
3 commentsEnodiaJun 11, 2023

Taras, Calabria 425-415 BC
AR Hemiobol (8mm, 0.23g)
O: Skyphos with handle to right.
R: Olive wreath, Γ within.
D'Andrea XVII, 248; Vlasto 1743; HN Italy 867; HGC 1, 867

These handle to right types are a bit more common than the handle to left coins like the previous entry. There can be other symbols within the wreath, but in-hand one can definitely see the 'gamma' here.
2 commentsEnodiaMay 22, 2023

Taras, Calabria 240/35-212 BC
AR Hemiobol (8mm, 0.28g)
O: Scallop shell with five teeth.
R: Winged Eros riding dolphin left, holding kantharos; ΦI(?) below.
Vlasto 1606-07; SNG France 2181
Rare
ex Aphrodite Coins

The appearance of Eros on the coinage of Taras is very unusual, and this coin may be the only such example. However His cult was popular in the polis and Eros' image appears on many vase paintings and votives, often riding a dolphin. These images are known as early as the 5th century BC, but become more common towards the Roman era. The origins of this cult can certainly be traced to the mother city of Sparta, where Aphrodite was venerated.2 commentsEnodiaMay 22, 2023

Taras, Calabria 281-276 BC
AR 3/4 Obol (8mm, 0.31g)
O: Head of horse left.
R: Head of horse left; ΦI before.
D'Andrea XLI, 1122; Vlasto 1704; HN Italy981
Very scarce
ex London Ancient Coins
3 commentsEnodiaMay 08, 2023

Metapontum, Lucania 225-200 BC
AE17 (17.5mm, 6.13g)
O: Head of Leukippos right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with running wolf.
R: Demeter standing facing, holding long crossed torch in right hand, left hand on hip; META to right.
Johnson Bronze 66; SNG ANS 561; SNG Cop 2249; HGC I, 1099; HN Italy 1702
ex Pavlos Palou
1 commentsEnodiaApr 11, 2023

Heiropolis, Phrygia2nd-3rd century BC
Pseudo-autonomous
AE Assarion (19mm, 3.92g)
O: Bust of Hekate/Selene right on cresent.
R: Winged Nemesis standing facing with head left, holding bridle and plucking chiton from breast; IEPAΠOΛITΩN.
Scarce
SNG Cop 419-20; BMC 19
ex GB Collection

"O Selene, driver of the silver car! If thou art Hekate of many names, if in the night thou doest shake thy mystic torch in brandcarrying hand, come nightwanderer."
~ ApuliusEnodiaMar 14, 2023

Taras, Calabria 272 - 240/35 BC (Period VIII - The Roman Alliance I)
AR Didrachm (20mm, 6.42g)
Tippoda magistrate.
O: Warrior in close-fitting thorax riding horse galloping right, holding javelin overhead in right hand, reigns in left; |-IΠΠOΔA (magistrate) below.
R: Phalanthos riding dolphin left, holding kantharos in extended left hand and distaff in right; ΔI and amphora behind, [Τ]ΑΡΑΣ below.
D'Andrea XLIV, 1402; Vlasto 904: SNG France 2042; McGill II, 112; HN Italy 1040; Evans VIII, K-1 (cornucopia); SNG ANS 1220-24; SNG Cop 930; HGC I, 894 (cornucopia)
ex Ken Dorney

An unremarkable coin, with the hobby-horse style obverse typical of the artistic degradation of the period (which would revive some in the following period).
This coin is also an early armored warrior type, although his breastplate is difficult to see here. Previous issues typically depicted the horseman wearing little more than a helmet and shield, whereas later designs carried fully armored warriors.

But what really caught my attention is the distaff carried by Phalanthos. Evans (no plate) lists only one example, but this with a cornucopia instead. The HGC specimen is the same, and the plate clearly shows a cornucopia with no reference to any other variety.
However Vlasto lists 4 die combinations, all of which carry the distaff, and again no cross-reference to a cornucopia type. SNG France and McGill are the same. I find this somewhat unusual.
4 commentsEnodiaMar 08, 2023

Taras, Calabria272-240/35 BC
AR Obol (8mm, 0.42g)
O: Kantharos; 3 pellets around.
R: Kantharos; 2 pellets, owl with folded wings in field to right.
D'Andrea XLIV, 1542; Vlasto 1660; SNG France 2216; HN Italy 1076
ex London Ancient Coins

Another Dionysian obol, this one featuring a small owl, Athene Noctua, as a tribute to Athena.
3 commentsEnodiaJan 31, 2023

Velia, Lucania305-290 BC
AR Diobol (11mm, 0.93g)
O: Head of nymph right, hair in sakkos with loose ribbon dangling behind; E behind neck, Φ(?) before.
R: Owl facing with wings spread, standing on [Z]; [YEΛHTΩN] in exergue.
Williams 635; SNG ANS 1278; HGC I, 1334; HN Italy 1324
Scarce
ex Savoca Numismatics

4 commentsEnodiaJan 11, 2023

Herakleia, Lucania330/25 - 281 BC
AR Didrachm (20mm, 7.55g)
O: Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with Skylla throwing stone; K to right.
R: Herakles standing facing, holding club in right hand and bow in left, lion's skin draped over left arm, Nike crowning from above; AΛ to left, Σ to right.
Van Keuren 80; SNG ANS 68; Hands Period II, 6; HGC I, 981; HN Italy1383
ex Ancient Art and Treasures

Although not rare, this obverse more typically has the Herakles strangling the Nemean lion reverse, while this Herakles standing reverse is usually paired with a Corinthian helmeted Athena. In fact many attributions incorrectly refer to the Corinthian type, as this coin was.
The 'K' in front of Athena (a bit distorted here) may be the signature of Kleudoros, a master engraver in southern Italy at this period. Although I can find no solid verification of this, a comparison of the artistic style of this Athena with those of the didrachms of Velia seem to show a similarity.
A classic example of Magna Graecian numismatic art, imo.4 commentsEnodiaNov 19, 2022

Stratonikeia, Caria140-80 BC
AR Hemidrachm (13mm 0.90g)
Pamphilos magistrate
O: Laureate head of Hekate right, hair rolled and wearing a cresent moon headband.
R: Nike advancing right, holding palm frond and wreath; ΠAMΦIΛOC (magistrate) above, all within incuse square.
SNG Helsinki 253
ex Tom Vossen

"Lord Helios and the sacred flame,
weapon of Hekate Enodia,
which She bears when leading in Olympos
and in Her haunts by the sacred three-ways on Earth,
crowning Herself with oak leaves
and twisting coils of wild serpents."
~ Sophokles

3 commentsEnodiaOct 18, 2022

Byzantion, Thracelate 3rd - 2nd century BC
AE 25 (25mm, 11.45g)
O: Veiled head of Demeter right, wreathed in grain.
R: Poseidon seated right on rocks, holding aphlaston in raised right hand and trident over shoulder in left; KAΛXA to left and BYΞAN to right.
SNG COP 530
ex Heritage Auctions; ex Forvm Ancient Coins

An interesting coin commemorating an alliance between Byzantion and Kalchedon, resulting in an unusual issue featuring two ethnics.
Not an uncommon coin, but these elegant dies are not typical of the issue, and the only other specimen I was able to find with such a pretty portrait is probably from these same dies.
I love this coin!
2 commentsEnodiaOct 02, 2022

Taras, Calabria 385-380 BC
AR Obol (11mm, 0.55g)
O: Head of nymph Satyra right.
R: Club and strung bow diagonally; 5 pellets around.
D'Andrea XXII, 399; Vlasto 1212-13; SNG ANS 1352-53; HN Italy 858
Very scarce
ex Artemide Aste

An unusual early fractional, it is also the subject of some confusion. Vlasto describes the obverse as "Bare-headed Athena right against aegis", however I see no aegis on this specimen, and the Vlasto plates are not clear either. A bare-headed Athena would be quite atypical for Taras, while the nymph Satyra, mother of the baby Taras, is a very common theme on these earlier
coins.
1 commentsEnodiaSep 27, 2022

Taras, Calabria470-465 BC
AR Didrachm (18.5mm, 7.95g)
O: Phalanthos riding dolphin left, arms outstretched; [ΤΑΡΑΣ] to right, scallop shell below.
R: Head of nymph Satyra left, hair tied back in knot, within circular border; all within circular incuse.
Scarce
D'Andrea V, 82; Vlasto 150 (3rd Group); Fischer-Bossert 95, V49/R63 (Group 5); SNG France 1596-99; SNG ANS 843; HN Italy 838; HGC I, 756
Scarce
ex Savoca Numismatics

An interesting early, pre-equestrian didrachm featuring Satyra, mother of Taras.1 commentsEnodiaSep 09, 2022

Velia, Lucania535-480 BC
AR Obol (8mm, 0.61g)
O: Forepart of lion right, tearing at stag's leg.
R: Irregular incuse square.
Williams 34-35; SNG ANS 1221; HN Italy 1261; HGC I, 1337v (lion left)
Rare
ex LAC

A fine example of late archaic art, this is now the oldest coin in my collection.
1 commentsEnodiaSep 02, 2022

Velia, Lucania4th-2nd century BC
AE 15 (15mm, 2.91g)
O: Head of Herakles right, wearing lion's skin headdress.
R: Owl standing left on olive sprig, head facing; YEΛH behind.
SNG ANS 1414-15; Di Bello 208; HN Italy 1332; HGC I, 1342
Rare
ex Marcantica

References give a broad date range to this lovely bronze, but I think we can be a little more specific. The fine style, especially of the bust, look much more like late 4th century-ish and leads me to believe this coin should be placed earlier within the period.

1 commentsEnodiaSep 02, 2022

Taras, Calabria 240/35-212 BC
AR Diobol (10mm, 0.74g)
O: Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with Triton.
R: Infant Herakles, nude, strangling a serpent with each hand; monogram to left, ΛE in exergue.
D'Andrea XLV, 1664; D'Andrea Diobols I, 275; Vlasto 1460-61; HN Italy 1068; Cote 551; SNG ANS 1474-75; SNG France ---; McGill ---
Very scarce
ex Munzhandlung Ritter

A scarce diobol showing the infant Herakles strangling the two serpents sent by Hera to kill him, it becomes even scarcer with Athena facing right.
Vlasto has two specimens, both of which describe Her helmet as decorated with a 'sea horse' (hippocamp), but which is actually 'Triton'.
The damage to this coin is unfortunate but did bring the price down without really affecting the devices, other than impairing Athena's otherwise full crest.

4 commentsEnodiaJul 14, 2022

Seleukid Kingdom, Reign of Antiochos IV (Epiphanes)175-173/2 BC
AE16 (16mm, 3.55g)
O: Veiled bust of Laodike IV, within dotted border.
R: Elephant's head left, tripod behind; BAΣIΛEΩΣ - ANTIOXOY above and below, [ΘE]K ex.
Antioch mint
Sear 1691v
ex Marc Breitsprecher Numismatics EnodiaMay 29, 2021

Taras, Calabria302-290 BC
AR Diobol (11.5mm, 0.88g)
O: Head of Athena left, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with wing.
R: Herakles kneeling right, wrestling the Nemean lion; club in right hand.
Scarce
D'Andrea XXXIX, 868; D'Andrea Diobols F, 114; Vlasto 1284; HN Italy 911
ex LAC
1 commentsEnodiaApr 02, 2021

Taras, Calabria380-334 BC
AR Diobol (13mm, 1.11g)
O: Head of Athena left, wearing unadorned crested Attic helmet.
R: Herakles kneeling right, wrestling the Nemean lion.
Scarce
Vlasto 1344; Cote 259
ex LAC
4 commentsEnodiaApr 02, 2021

Athens, Attica454-431 BC
AR Tetradrachm (24mm, 16.95g)
O: Head of Athena with archaic eye right, wearing Attic helmet decorated with palmette and olive leaves.
R: Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig and cresent moon above, AΘE to right, all within incuse square.
SNG Cop 31; Kroll 8; Sear 2526
ex Steven Battelle

With her almond eye and Mona Lisa-like grin, along with her companion owl (Athene Noctua), these classic 5th century tetradrachms from Athens are truly THE iconic ancient coin.7 commentsEnodiaMar 16, 2021

Taras, Calabria430-425 BC (Period I - Transitional)
AR Didrachm (22mm, 7.78g)
O: Phalanthos riding dolphin right, right hand leaning on dolphin's back, left arm extended; scallop shell below.
R: Naked boy pacing horse right, holding reins with both hands.
D'Andrea XV, 184; Vlasto 267; Fischer-Bossert 231f; Evans I, Type C; SNG France 1678; cf Cote 103; HGC I, 761; HN Italy 847
Very scarce
ex London Ancient Coins

While the 'Equestrian' types are the most common and readily recognizable didrachms from Taras they were far from the first. The dolphin rider was initially depicted on late 6th century broad flan incuse coins, and later paired with the seated oikist, either as the obverse or the reverse, but the horseman did not make his first appearance until the middle of the 5th century BC, and then as the reverse motif. Sir Arthur Evans (The Horsemen of Tarentum, 1889) declared this era 'Period 1' and called it transitional as the dolphin rider would move to the reverse later in the century and the horseman would claim his rightful place on the front. It would remain this way until the mint closed circa 212 BC.
As an aside it is my belief that the young nude jockey throughout the series is actually Taras, son of Poseidon the God of horses.

1 commentsEnodiaFeb 16, 2021

Taras, Calabria281-276 BC (Period VI - From Kleonymos to Pyrrhus)
AR Didrachm (20x24mm, 7.23g, 9h)
Nikottas Magistrate.
O: Helmeted warrior dismounting horse galloping left, holding small round shield; [EY above], NIKΩTTAΣ (magistrate) below.
R: Taras riding dolphin right, holding trident over left shoulder and hurling javelin with right hand; ΛY behind, TAPAΣ to right, small hippocamp right below.
D'Andrea XLI, 987; Vlasto 699; Evans VI, Type E; HGC I, 817; HN Italy 968
Scarce
ex London Ancient Coins
2 commentsEnodiaFeb 16, 2021

Taras, Calabriacirca 450 BC
AR Hemilitra (7mm, 0.38g)
O: Scallop shell with 7 teeth.
R: Head of Satyra left, hair rolled.
D'Andrea IX, 124; Vlasto 1186; SNG France 1642; Cote 58; McGill II, 146; HN Italy 841
Scarce
ex London Ancient Coins1 commentsEnodiaFeb 16, 2021

Dionysopolis, Moesia3rd-1sr century BC
Æ 22 (22mm, 5.8g)
O: Veiled and turreted bust of Demeter right; Herakleides, magistrate.
R: Tyche seated left, holding phiale.
Draganov, Bronze 29; SNG BM Black Sea 217 var. (magistrate); SNG Stancomb 121-5 var. (same).
Rare
ex Praefectus CoinsEnodiaFeb 16, 2021

Dionysopolis, Moesia3rd-1st centuries BC
Æ 22 (22mm, 5.8g)
O: Veiled and turreted bust of Demeter right; Herakleides, magistrate.
R: Tyche seated left, holding phiale.
Draganov, Bronze 29; SNG BM Black Sea 217 var. (magistrate); SNG Stancomb 121-5 var. (same).
Rare
ex Praefectus CoinsEnodiaFeb 16, 2021

Apameia, Phrygia3rd Century AD
Pseudo-autonomous
AE15 (15mm, 2.27g)
O: Draped and turreted bust of Tyche right; AΠA-MEIA.
R: Hekate Triformis standing facing, wearing polos and double chiton, and holding 4 torches and 2 patera; CΩTEI-PA.
SNG von Aulock 3475; SNG Cop 195-96; BMC 110-13
ex Gert Boersema

"O Nox, Mother of Mysteries, and all ye golden Astra who with Luna succeed the fires of day, and thou, divine three-formed Hecate, who knowest all my enterprises and dost fortify the arts of magic."
~ Ovid, The Metamorphoses
EnodiaFeb 15, 2021

Hieropolis, PhrygiaPseudo-autonomous
2nd-3rd century AD
AE17 (17mm, 4.30g)
O: Bust of Hecate (or Selene) right setting on crescent.
R: Winged Nemesis standing left, pulling at Her chiton and holding bridle.
Scarce
SNG Cop 419-20; BMC 19

Hieropolis was a destination coveted in ancient times for it's famous spa.
A nearby cave was considered an entrance to the Underworld due to the deadly gases it emitted. As such it was considered limnal point which in turn gave rise to a temple of Hecate, Goddess of the limnos.

EnodiaJan 10, 2021

Taras, Calabria 272-240/35 BC
AR Obol (10mm, 0.51g)
O: Scallop shell with nine teeth.
R: Dolphin swimming right; AV monogram above, Ionic capital below.
Scarce
D'Andrea XLIV, 1483; Vlasto 1534; SNG France 2148; HN Italy 979
ex Numiscorner

The broken column has appeared throughout history as a funerary symbol. This would be fitting in Taras, a polis with a strong cthonic cult. As such it is likely that its appearance here is representative of Dionysus.
1 commentsEnodiaJan 09, 2021

Taras, Calabria 333-331/30 BC
AR Diobol (13mm, 1.07g)
O: Head of Athena right, wearing Attic helmet decorated with elaborate scroll.
R: Herakles standing right, wrestling the Nemean lion; club behind, [TAPAN] above.
Very Scarce
D'Andrea XXXII, 692; D'Andrea Diobols E, 87; Vlasto 1286-87; McGill II, 156; Cote cf. 253
ex Numiscorner

A scarce type with an unusual helmet design.
3 commentsEnodiaJan 09, 2021

Taras, Calabria 400-390 BC (Period II - Transitional)
AR Didrachm (22mm, 7.56g)
O: Warrior dismounting horse cantering left, holding small shield in left hand.
R: Phalanthos astride dolphin left, holding oval shield in left hand and helmet in extended right; TAP[AΣ] below.
D'Andrea XX, 304; Vlasto 298; Fischer-Bossert 327v; Evans II, C; cf SNG France 1703; cf McGill II, 12; Cote 105-06; SNG ANS 869-71; Sear 334v; HN Italy 849
ex Aegean Numismatics

The earliest issues of Tarentine 'horsemen' depicted the dolphin rider on the obverse. Evans labelled this era Period I.
During the following period, which Evans called 'transitional', we start to see a shift to the more traditional horseman obverse with the dolphin rider moved to the reverse. By the end of Period II this format becomes universal.

4 commentsEnodiaDec 01, 2020

Taras, Calabria 340-335 BC (Period IV - Archidamos and the Third Lucanian War)
AR Didrachm (21mm, 7.26g)
O: Naked boy crowning horse standing right, second boy with long curls beneath picking stone from horse's hoof; Φ to right.
R: Taras astride dolphin left, holding trident and small shield in left hand, kantharos in extended right; Π and waves below, ΤΑΡΑΣ to right.
D'Andrea XXIX, 546; Vlasto 514; Fischer-Bossert 694 (V261, R541); Evans IV, C5; SNG France 1762; Cote 205; McGill II, 35; HGC I, 786; Sear 341; HN Italy 888
ex London Ancient Coins

This obverse depicts another unusual and delightfully passive scene from Period IV, this one likely inspired by a marvelous early stater from Ambracia (see 'The Colts of Ambracia' N37, page 137 by Oscar Ravel), where Bellerophon is tending to Pegasus' hoof.

1 commentsEnodiaNov 17, 2020

Nero / Hekate Philadelphia, Lydia
54-59 AD
(19mm, 4.99g)
O: Bare headed and draped bust right; NEPΩN ΣEBACTOC.
R: Hekate standing facing, wearing polos and holding two torches; TI NEIKANOP ΦIΛAΔEΛΦEΩN.
RPC 3041

"Torch-bearing Hekate holy daughter of great-bosomed Nyx."
~ Bacchylides, Fragment 1B

4 commentsEnodiaOct 21, 2020

Nero / Hekate Philadelphia, Lydia
54-59 AD
(19mm, 4.99g)
O: Bare headed and draped bust right; NEPΩN ΣEBACTOC.
R: Hekate standing facing, wearing polos and holding two torches; TI NEIKANOP ΦIΛAΔEΛΦEΩN.
RPC 3041

"I have done everything that I should, but the outcome is in the hand of fortune"
~ Nero
EnodiaOct 21, 2020

Pherai, Thessaly404-369 BC
AE 13 (13.4mm, 1.85g)
O: Wreathed head of Hekate left, wearing triangular pendant earring.
R: Lion head fountain right, spouting water; ΦEPAIOYN around to right.
Rogers 516; BCD Thessaly II 691.2
ex Savoca Coin

"Tender-hearted Hekate, bright coiffed, the daughter of Persaios."
~ Homeric Hymn to Demeter (2)
EnodiaOct 11, 2020

Pherai, Thessalylate 4th century BC
AE14 (14mm, 2.59g)
O: Wreathed head of Hekate right; torch before.
R: Lion's head fountain right, spouting water; fish below, ΦEPAIOYN around to right.
Rogers 514; HGC4, 568; BCD Thessaly II, 691.1
From the BCD collection. ex Ken Dorney

"... For to this day, whenever any one of men on earth offers rich sacrifices and prays for favour according to custom, he calls upon Hekate."
~ Hesiod (Theogony, 419-424)

EnodiaOct 11, 2020

Pherai, ThessalyPherai, Thessaly
404-339 BC
AE Trichalkon (19.5mm, 6.64g)
O: Head of lion right.
R: Hekate riding side-saddle right with head turned back on horse prancing left, holding torches in both hands;
Rogers 517; Weber 2920; Sear 2206
ex Wayne Phillips; ex Ancient Imports

"... And I, the mistress of your charms,
The close contriver of all harms,
Was never called to bear my part
Or show the glory of our art?"
~ William Shakespeare (MacBeth)EnodiaOct 11, 2020

Pherai, Thessaly302-286 BC
AR Hemidrachm (14-16mm, 2.44g)
O: Head of Hekate left, wearing laurel wreath, triple-pendant earring and plain necklace; torch over shoulder.
R: The nymph Hypereia standing left, placing right hand on lion-headed fountain from which water pours; [A]Σ/TO in two lines in wreath to left; ΦEPAIOYN to right.
SNG Cop 239; BCD Thessaly 714; Sear 2204; BMC 7, 20-21
From the BCD collection. ex Auctiones GmbH

... Hekate whom Zeus the son of Kronos honored above all. He gave her splendid gifts, to have a share of the earth and the unfruitful sea. She received honor also in starry heaven, and is honored exceedingly by the deathless gods... For as many as were born of Gaia and Ouranos amongst all these she has her due portion. The son of Kronos did her no wrong nor took anything away of all that was her portion among the former Titan gods: but she holds, as the division was at the first from the beginning, privilege both in earth, and in heaven, and in sea. Also, because she is an only child, the goddess receives not less honour, but much more still, for Zeus honors her.
~ Hesiod (Theogony, 404ff)EnodiaOct 11, 2020

Stratonikeia, Cariacirca 100 BC
AE 20 (20mm, 6.38g)
O: Lareate head of Hekate right, wearing crescent moon crown.
R: Nike advancing right, holding palm and wreath; ΣTPATO above, [NIK]EΩN below.
cf SNG Cop 489; cf Sear 4942; BMC 151,31
Scarce
ex Aegean Numismatics

Stratonikeia was located in SW Asia Minor, about 11km from Lagina, the largest known sanctuary of the goddess Hekate, "whom Zeus honored above all others" (Hesiod). It is likely that the cult of Hekate originated in this area a millennium or more before Her introduction into Greek religion at the conclusion of the Titanomachy, the legendary battle between the Titans and Olympians.
During an annual ritual the Priestess would lead a procession from the polis to Lagina where she would open the sanctuary with a sacred key. This key would eventually become one of the attributes depicted on later images of Hekate.
1 commentsEnodiaOct 11, 2020

Stratonikeia, Cariaafter 81 BC
AE17 (2.90g)
O: Laureate head of Hekate right, wearing cresent moon headdress.
R: Pegasos flying left.
SNG von Aulock 8159; SNG Cop 491; Sear 4941; BMC 150, 28
ex Gerhard Rohde

(originally a gift from my dog Liebe, used to pay the Ferryman)EnodiaOct 11, 2020

Livia / Hekate Koinon, Thessaly
Pseudo-autonomous
41-54 AD (Time of Claudius)
AE Assarion (17.5mm, 4.18g)
Amtigonos (Strategos)
O: Draped bust of Livia right; ΘEΣΣ-AΛΩN around.
R: Hekate advancing right, holding torch in each hand; monogram to right, ΣTPATHΓANTIΓON-OY around.
RPC I, 1438; BCD Thessaly II, 928
ex Frank Kovacs; ex Mark Breitsprecher

... Thou mixture rank, of midnight weeds collected,
With Hecate' s ban thrice blasted, thrice infected,
Thy natural magic and dire property,
On wholesome life usurp immediately."
~ William Shakespeare (Hamlet)
EnodiaOct 11, 2020

Perinthos, ThracePseudo-autonomous
Circa 3rd century AD
AE26 (6.56g)
O: Veiled bust of Demeter right, gazing at poppy in hand.
R: Artemis Tauropolis (Hekate?) advancing right, holding two torches; ΠEPINTIΩN, ΔIΣNEΩKOPON around.
Moushmov 4386v
ex Civitas Galleries

Although the usual attribution of this reverse is Artemis Tauropolis, the Goddess holding two torches, along with the association with such an obviously mournful Demeter has such a strong Eleusinian Mysteries connection that this can only be Hekate, imo.

But when the tenth enlightening dawn had come, Hekate, with torches in her hands, met her, and spoke to her and told her news: "Queenly Demeter, bringer of seasons and giver of good gifts, what god of heaven or what mortal man has rapt away Persephone and pierced with sorrow your dear heart? For I heard her voice, yet saw not with my eyes who it was. But I tell you truly and shortly all I know."
So, then, said Hekate."
~ Homeric Hymn to DemeterEnodiaOct 11, 2020

Severus Alexander / HekateThyatira, Lydia
223-235 AD
AE25 (7.36g)
O: Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right;
R: Hekate Selene, head facing left, wearing a short chiton and holding two torches, full moon around shoulders (billowing veil?); ΘV - ATEI - P - HNΩN.
SNG Fitzwilliam 1374
ex Ancient Imports

"When at thy coming my father has given thee the deadly teeth from the dragon's jaws for sowing, then watch for the time when the night is parted in twain, then bathe in the stream of the tireless river, and alone, apart from others, clad in dusky raiment, dig a rounded pit; and therein slay a ewe, and sacrifice it whole, heaping high the pyre on the very edge of the pit. And propitiate only-begotten Hekate, daughter of Perses, pouring from a goblet the hive-stored labour of bees. And then, when thou hast heedfully sought the grace of the goddess, retreat from the pyre; and let neither the sound of feet drive thee to turn back, nor the baying of hounds, lest haply thou shouldst maim all the rites and thyself fail to return duly to thy comrades."
~ Apollonius of Rhodes (Argonautica 3,1028-1051)EnodiaOct 11, 2020

Valerian / HekateEphesus, Ionia
253-260 AD
AE26 (7.86g)
O: Laureate and draped bust of Valerian right; AYT K ΠO ΛIK BAΛEPIANOΣ.
R: Hekate standing facing, head left, wearing long chiton and holding two torches; EΦEΣIΩN Γ NEΩKOPΩN.
Lindgren 474; SNG Cop 499
ex Gerhard Rohde

"The Sibyl first lined up four black-skinned bullocks, poured a libation of wine upon their foreheads, and then, plucking the topmost hairs from between their brows, she placed these on the altar fires as an initial offering, calling aloud upon Hecate, powerful in heaven and hell.
While other laid their knives to these victim’s throats, and caught the fresh warm blood in bowls, Aeneas sacrifices a black-fleeced lamb to Nox, the mother of the Furiae, and her great sister, Terra, and a barren heifer to Proserpine. Then Aeneas set up altars by night to the god of the Underworld, laying upon the flames whole carcasses of bulls and pouring out rich oil over the burning entrails. But listen! - at the very first crack of dawn, the ground underfoot began to mutter, the woody ridges to quake, and a baying of hounds was heard through the half-light: the goddess was coming, Hecate!"
~ Virgil (Aeneid 6,257)EnodiaOct 11, 2020

Taras, Calabria 325-280 BC
AR Tritemorion (3/4 Obol) (8mm, 0.38g)
O: Bridled head of horse right.
R: Bridled head of horse right; Φ to right.
cf Vlasto 1716; cf SNG France 2236; McGill II, 211v; HGC I, 926v; Cote 520v; Sear 358v; HN Italy 981
ex LAC

Possibly an unpublished variety with this control mark.EnodiaOct 04, 2020

Taras, Calabria 272-240/35 BC (Period VIII - The Roman Alliance I)
AR Didrachm (19mm, 6.47g)
Agatharkos magistrate.
O: Nude youth on horseback right, placing wreath on horse's head; ΑΓΑΘ-A / PXΟΣ (magistrate) in two lines below.
R: Phalanthos riding dolphin left, holding cornucopia in left hand and [kantharos] in extended right hand; lighted torch behind, TAPAΣ below.
D'Andrea XLIV, 1368; Vlasto 852-54; SNG France 2011; Evans VIII, B1; McGill II, 96-98; SNG ANS 1179-80; HN Italy 1028
ex Goduto Giuseppe

This coin attracted me, even though some reverse elements are slightly off center.
However most didrachms of this late period are very 'mushy', particularly the magistrates name and ethnic, so the scarcity of such a well struck specimen was too alluring to pass up.
3 commentsEnodiaAug 16, 2020

Taras, Calabria281-276 BC
AR Diobol (12mm, 1.03g)
O: Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with 3 rosettes; M behind, A on neckguard, Δ below chin.
R: Herakles kneeling right, wrestling the Nemean lion, club in right hand.
D'Andrea LXI, 1047; D'Andrea Diobols G, 199; cfVlasto 1372-73; SNG France 2117; Cote cf 254; HN Italy 976
ex Bertolami Fine Arts
3 commentsEnodiaApr 29, 2020

Taras, Calabria302-290 BC
AR Diobol (12mm, 1.07g)
O: Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with wreath.
R: Herakles kneeling right wrestling the Nemean lion, club in right hand.
D'Andrea XXXIX, 859; D'Andrea Diobols F, 106; Vlasto 1340-43; SNG France 2109-10; McGill II, cf.170; Cote 256; HN Italy 976
ex LAC

3 commentsEnodiaApr 25, 2020

Taras, Calabria302-228 BC
AR Hemiobol (8mm, 0.25g)
O: Scallop shell with seven teeth, within linear border.
R: Two crescents back to back, with two pellets above and below.
Vlasto 1791 (this coin); SNG France 2258-60; Cote 181; HN Italy 926
Very scarce
From the M.P Vlasto collection. ex Herakles Numismatics
4 commentsEnodiaDec 31, 2019

Taras, Calabria280-228 BC
AR Hemilitra (8mm, 0.33g)
O: Scallop shell with seven teeth.
R: Dolphin with large eye left.
Vlasto 1551; D'Andrea----
Very scarce
From the M.P Vlasto collection. ex Herakles Numismatics

Vlasto plate coin #1551

A scarce type with the dolphin swimming left.

4 commentsEnodiaDec 24, 2019

Taras, Calabria390,-385 BC (Period III - The Age of Archytas)
AR Didrachm (20mm, 7.83g)
O: Naked boy (Taras?) with radiate hair riding galloping horse right, all within linear border.
R: Taras astride dolphin left, holding akrostolian in extended right hand, left hand on dolphins back; H (signature) on dolphins flank, ΤΑΡΑΣ below, all within linear border.
D'Andrea XXI, 328; Vlasto 362; Fischer- Bossert 381 (V168/R296); SNG France 1712; McGill II, 19; Jameson 110; HN Italy 870
Rare
ex Roma Numismatics; ex Forvm Ancient Coins

Once again we see the 'H' signature on the side of the dolphin, although here we have a much less static horseman.
H only appears for a brief moment in Period III, and while Evans has an essay specifically dedicated to artist signatures he makes no mention of the enigmatic H or his galloping horse obverse.
On the engraver's few known specimens the signatures are all uniquely placed on the dolphin's flank.

4 commentsEnodiaOct 29, 2019

Syracuse, Sicily (Reign of Agathokles)317-289 BC
AE17 (16mm, 3.29g)
O: Head of Persephone left, wreathed in grain.
R: Bull charging right; club and ΛY above, IE (magistrate) in exergue.
HGC 2, 1498; CNS II, 200
Rare
ex Praefectus Coins

A rare variant with the bull charging right.

2 commentsEnodiaJun 04, 2019

Taras, Calabria 281-276 BC
AR Diobol (11mm, 0.82g)
O: Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet.
R: Herakles standing right, wrestling the Nemean lion; club behind, TAPAN above.
D'Andrea XLI, 1032; D'Andrea Diobols G, 184; cfVlasto 1365; HN Italy 976
Very scarce
ex Savoca Coins

2 commentsEnodiaApr 10, 2019

Thebai, Thessaly302-286 BC
AE 19 (19mm, 5.53g)
O: Wreathed and veiled head of Demeter left, within dotted border.
R: Bridled horse prancing right; ΘHBAIΩN above, X below.
Rogers 552; BCD Thessaly II, 762.1-2; SNG Munchen 185
From the BCD collection; ex Aegean Numismatics

1 commentsEnodiaFeb 04, 2019

Thebai, Thessaly302-286 BC
AE 19 (19 mm, 5.53g)
O: Wreathed and veiled head of Demeter left, within dotted border.
R: Bridled horse prancing right; ΘHBAIΩN above, X below.
Rogers 552; BCD Thessaly II, 762.1-2; SNG Munchen 185
From the BCD collection; ex Aegean Numismatics
3 commentsEnodiaFeb 01, 2019

Pantikapaion, Thrace304-250 BC
AE 20 (20mm, 5.81g)
O: Head of Pan left, wreathed in ivy.
R: Bow and arrow, ΠAN below.
MacDonald 116.1; SNG Poland II; NM Warsaw 178-79
ex Forvm Auctions (Bartosz Awianowicz)

3 commentsEnodiaJan 31, 2019

Taras, Calabria290-281 BC (Period VIII)
AR Diobol (13mm, 0.87g)
O: Head of Athena left, wearing crested Corinthian helmet.
R: Herakles standing left, strangling the Nemean lion; club behind, TAPATI to left.
D'Andrea Diobols J, 282 (this coin); Vlasto 1416-19; HN Italy 1064
Rare
ex Nomos (Obolos II)

D'Andrea Diobols plate coin, Series J, Type 282
This coin was sold as being from Teate, Apulia and Vlasto claims that this type was minted "in alliance with Teate". Both of these opinions are based on the ethnic reading TIATI, which it may, but I am not entirely convinced that it doesn't in fact read TAPAN.
In either case it is a very scarce type with Herakles facing left in his struggle with the Nemean lion, and is very similar to my specimen of the Vlasto 1415 diobol but without the Ionic capital below Herakles' club.

1 commentsEnodiaDec 24, 2018

Terina, Bruttium circa 300 BC
AR Drachm (16mm, 2.21g)
O: Head of nymph Terina left; triskeles behind, TEPINAIΩN left.
R: Winged Nike seated left on cippus, holding bird in extended right hand; star to left.
Holloway & Jenkins 111; HN Italy 2642
ex Bertolami Fine Arts

2 commentsEnodiaNov 14, 2018

Koinon, ThessalyPseudo-autonomous
41-54 AD (Time of Claudius)
AE Assarion (17.5mm, 4.18g)
Antigonos (Strategos)
O: Draped bust of Livia right; ΘEΣΣ-AΛΩN around.
R: Hekate advancing right, holding torch in each hand; monogram to right, ΣTPATHΓANTIΓON-OY around.
RPC I, 1438; BCD Thessaly II, 928
ex Frank Kovacs; ex Mark Breitsprecher 1 commentsEnodiaNov 14, 2018

Sybaris, Lucania550-510 BC
AR Obol (10mm, 0.44g)
O: Bull (Ox?) standing left, head turned back to right; VM in exergue.
R: Large MV monogram; four pellets around.
SNG ANS 853; HGC I, 1235; HN Italy 1739; Hands Type I, IV
ex Tom Vossen

This coin dates from the original Greek colony, Sybaris I, before its destruction by the Krotones in 511-510 BC.
The MV monogram on the reverse actually reads 'SY' for Sybaris, and I believe the VM in exergue on the obverse is 'MV' retrograde.
The bull device seen on all early types from Sybaris, and later on the coins of her colonies at Poseidonia and Thurii, may in fact be a white ox at the mother city.5 commentsEnodiaSep 08, 2018

Taras, Calabria473-450 BC
AR Drachm (Half Nomos) (16mm, 3.53g)
O: Forepart of hippocamp with pointed wings right; TAPAΣ (retrograde) counterclockwise behind, scallop shell below.
R: Head of nymph Satyra right; TA clockwise behind, all within incuse circle.
D'Andrea IX, 115; Vlasto 157-59; Cote 60; SNG France 1610; HGC I, 822; SNG ANS 846; HN Italy 839
Rare
ex Savoca Coins

A rare early drachm, sometimes referred to as a 'half nomos'. The hippocamp could be seen as a Pegasus, but that device was unknown in Tarentine coinage while the hippocamp was quite common, and the scallop shell certainly lends credibility to that idea.
Alfred Hands places this type much earlier, perhaps as early as 520 BC, while Ratto (the Cote catalog) suggests that the nymph is actually the obverse due to the retrograde ethnic.

1 commentsEnodiaAug 06, 2018

Lysimacheia, Thrace309-220 BC
AE 21 (21mm, 8.14g)
O: Wreathed and veiled head of Demeter right.
R: Nike standing left, holding wreath; ΛYΣIMA[XEΩN] around to left.
SNG Cop 905; Sear 1621; BMC 3, 6
ex Romae Aeternae Numismatics
EnodiaJun 27, 2018

Teos, Ionia320-294 BC
AR Diobol (10mm, 0.92g)
Mentor magistrate.
O: Griffin seated right, with left forepaw raised.
R: Lyre; MENTΩP (magistrate) downward to right.
Kinns 95; SNG Kayhan 611v; Imhoof 126A
ex MRB Coins
5 commentsEnodiaJun 27, 2018

Taras, Calabria212-209 BC (Period X - The Punic Occupation)
AR Half-Shekel (Reduced Nomos) (19mm, 3.28g)
Sogenis magistrate.
O: Nude youth on horseback to left, crowning horse with wreath; IΩ behind, ΣΩΓE - NHΣ (magistrate) in two lines below.
R: Taras astride dolphin to left, holding cornucopiae in right arm and Nike who crowns him with wreath in left; TAPA[Σ] below.
D'Andrea XLVI, 1727; Vlasto 975-77; Cote 589-90; Evans X, B-1; SNG France 2064; McGill II, 119-20; SNG ANS 1266-68; SNG Cop 949; HN Italy 1079
Very Scarce
ex Praefectus Coins

At half the weight of the previous ‘didrachms’ from Taras, this half-shekel coin was minted during the Punic occupation of the city from 212-209 BC.
The story of Hannibal’s capture of Tarentum is fascinating, but of far too great a scope to cover here. Courage and endurance, intrigue and treachery all played a part in the Carthaginians desperate need of a southern naval port to continue Hannibal’s dream of conquering the Italian peninsula. Yet after an occupation of three years he was forced to withdraw from the city, virtually ending the second Punic War. However with a naval command post and a way to access reinforcements and supplies from Carthage, who knows what shape the history of Rome might have taken?

1 commentsEnodiaJun 26, 2018

Bronze KeyRoman Empire
circa 3rd-4th century AD
33x15mm, 5.97g
ex Forvm Auctions
2 commentsEnodiaJun 19, 2018

Poseidonia, Lucania350-290 BC
AE 16 (16x13mm, 3.80g)
O: Poseidon, nude, advancing left, Brandishing trident over head.
R: Bull butting right, waves below; dolphin right in ex.
HN Italy 1167; SNG IV Fitzwilliam 566
Rare
ex Colosseum Coin Exchange; ex Forvm Ancient Coins

Poseidonia was founded shortly before 600 BC by colonists from Sybaris, and archeological evidence shows that they, like the Sybarites, enjoyed fine living.
The archaic style of the obverse remained even into the classical era, however this coin is quite rare in that Poseidon is facing left, rather than to the right as on almost all other examples from this city. The bull on the reverse, typical of the coins of Sybaris, honored the mother colony.
Poseidonia came under Roman control in 273 after the defeat of Pyrrhus, at which time the name was changed to Paestum.

1 commentsEnodiaJun 14, 2018

Taras, Calabria281-276 BC (Period VI)
AR Drachm (17mm, 3.18g)
Zor... magistrate.
O: Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with Skylla hurling stone.
R: Owl with folded wings standing right; TAP behind, ΞOP (magistrate) and club to right.
D'Andrea XLI, 1011; Vlasto 1055; SNG France 1936-37; SNG ANS 1307-11; SNG Cop 954-55; HN Italy 975; Sear 367v
ex TN Numismatics2 commentsEnodiaMay 25, 2018

Taras, Calabria302-290 BC
AR Diobol (11mm, 1.07g)
O: Head of young Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress.
R: Herakles standing right, strangling the Nemean lion; A-T above, club and astragalos behind, Φ between legs.
D'Andrea XXXIX, 889; D'Andrea Diobols F, 146; Vlasto 1356; Cote 190; HN Italy 978; Sear 352
Scarce
ex CDMA

Here once again is the battle scene being played out between Herakles and the Nemean lion, however on this coin we see the head of a relatively young Herakles in place of the usual helmeted Athena.
This variation is much scarcer than most of the Athena types.
3 commentsEnodiaMay 10, 2018

Taras, Calabria480-470 BC
AR Hexas (5mm, 0,11g)
O: Wheel of four spokes.
R: Wheel of four spokes.
D'Andrea IV, 79; Vlasto 1123; SNG France 1620; HN Italy 978
Very rare
ex Goduto

The spoked wheel motif was fairly common on archaic Greek coins, and its simplicity of design was especially suited to diminutive silver coins such as this one.

2 commentsEnodiaApr 30, 2018

Taras, Calabria281-276 BC (Period VI - From Kleonymos to Pyrrhus)
AR Didrachm (20.5mm, 7.88g)
Arethon magistrate.
O: Naked boy of androgynous aspect crowning horse standing right, left foreleg raised; ΣA above, APE/ΘΩN (magistrate) in two lines below.
R: Phalanthos riding dolphin left, holding tripod in extended right hand; TAPAΣ around to right, CAΣ below.
D'Andrea XLI, 974; Vlasto 666; Evans VI, A-1; Cote 321; McGill II, 59; SNG France 1869; HGC I, 813; HN Italy 957; SNG Cop 862; SNG ANS 1046-50
ex Germania Inferior Numismatics

Period VI represents the first appearance of the full length magistrate signatues on Tarentine coinage, in this case one Arethon.
This type (along with Vlasto 836) is possibly the most common didrachm in the entire series. Still, this specimen is very well centered with a full tripod showing on the flan, and has some nice golden highlights which i find quite appealing.
4 commentsEnodiaApr 09, 2018

Anazarbus, CiliciaPseudo-autonomous
113/114 AD (Reign of Trajan)
AE Assaria (19mm, 4.53g)
O: Veiled and draped bust of Demeter right; two grain ears and poppy head before.
R: Veiled bust of Artemis Perasia right, wearing polos; torch before.
Ziegler 101; SNG France 2026
From the B/N collection. ex Munzhandlung Ritter1 commentsEnodiaJan 25, 2018

Pherai, Thessaly404-339 BC
AE Trichalkon (19.5mm, 6.64g)
O: Head of lion right.
R: Hekate riding side-saddle right with head turned back on horse prancing left, holding torches in both hands;
Rogers 517; Weber 2920; Sear 2206
ex Wayne Phillips; ex Ancient Imports

"... And I, the mistress of your charms,
The close contriver of all harms,
Was never called to bear my part
Or show the glory of our art?"
~ William Shakespeare (MacBeth)
EnodiaJan 24, 2018

Uncertain Mint, Lesbos500-450 BC
Billion 1/10 Stater (10mm, 1.18g)
O: Two boar's heads confronted, creating the illusion of a single boar head facing.
R: Incuse square.
SNG von Aulock 7712; SNG Munchen 645; Sear 3488
ex Forvm Ancient Coins

An unusual little coin from the island of Lesbos off the coast of Asia Minor. The very inventive 6th century BC engraver of this die has created an illusion which is quite 'outside the box' for an ancient coin, as the two confronted boar's heads can also be seen as a single facing boar. And how cool is that?

2 commentsEnodiaDec 08, 2017

Cales, Campania265-240 BC
AE 22 (22mm, 6.32g)
O: Head of Athena left, wearing crested Corinthian helmet, all within dotted border.
R: Cock standing right, star behind; CALENΩ downward to right, all within dotted border.
Sambon 916; HN Italy 435; SNG ANS 188; SNG Cop 322; Sear 548
ex Forvm Ancient Coins

This very common type, with Athena left and the cock/star reverse, was minted throughout the region, including Cales, Suessa Aurunca, Teanum Sinicinum in Campania and Aquinum in Latium, with only the ethnic varying. Speculation is that this suggests a monetary alliance between the various cities, but given the history of Campanian coining I wonder if a common mint may have produced them all, as we have seen with the MFB coins of Nola, Hyria and Neapolis?

2 commentsEnodiaDec 08, 2017

Taras, Calabria290-281 BC
AR Diobol (12mm, 1.24g)
O: Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with Skylla hurling a stone.
R: Herakles kneeling right, strangling the Nemean lion; A above.
D'Andrea XL, 953; D'Andrea Diobols F, 151; Vlasto 1315; HN Italy 976
From the D. Alighieri collection. ex CNG

I acquired this coin mainly for the provenance, but also because, despite the fact that the Vlasto catalog claims it to be "of barbarous style", I think the fully crested portrait of Athena is quite pretty.

2 commentsEnodiaNov 18, 2017

Taras, Calabria480-470 BC
AR Hexas (5mm, 0.08g)
O: Scallop shell with 7 teeth, within linear border.
R: Wheel with four spokes.
D'Andrea IV, 78; Vlasto 1118; SNG France 1617; HN Italy 836
Very scarce
From the E.E. Clain-Stephanelli collection. ex Naville Numismatics

How many angels can dance on the head of a pin? Only a few less than can dance on this coin!
This tiny and rare little coin is now the smallest in my collection. Being but 5mm and weighing less than 1/10th of a gram, this coin is about the size the LED 'Power On' light on a small device.

4 commentsEnodiaOct 20, 2017

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