Neapolis, Campania, Italy

270 - 250 BC
AE 21, 5.763 grams, 135 degrees

O: NEOΠOΛITΩN, laureate head of Apollo left, long wavy hair, E behind

R: River-god Acheloios Sebethos, as a man-faced bull, standing right, head turned facing, being crowned by Nike who flies right above, MB monogram below, possibly IΣ in exergue (off flan)

Ref: Potamikon 333, Taliercio IIIa.10, HN Italy 589; BMC Italy p. 115, 219, SNG Cop 505, Sambon 658

Notes: VF, irregular flan shape typical for the type with remnants of casting sprues, nice jade green patina, light corrosion, Campania mint. I will credit Nick Molinari's book, Acheloios, Thales, and The Origin of Philosophy, for me wanting a man-faced bull coin. The book is really good, even if it was over my head at times. Fascinating read and I find his conclusions quite convincing. Knowing what the man faced bull is makes all the difference in understanding these coins. I am thrilled to have an example.

Ex-Forum Ancient Coins, Feb 2023