1 Quartuncia Horse facing left

Emittente Cosa
Anno 273 BC - 250 BC
Tipo Standard circulation coin
Valore 1 Quartuncia = 1/4 Uncia
Valuta Uncia (circa 273-250 BC)
Composizione Bronze
Peso 4.83 g
Diametro
Spessore
Forma Round (irregular)
Tecnica Hammered
Orientamento
Incisore/i
In circolazione fino al
Riferimento/i HN Italy#210, SambonArt#148, SNG Firenze 2#3, SNG ANS 1#75
Descrizione del dritto Head of Coza wearing crested Corinthian helmet facing right with legend in front.
Scrittura del dritto
Legenda del dritto COZA
(Translation: Cosa)
Descrizione del rovescio Bridled horse`s head facing left and surrounded by legend.
Scrittura del rovescio
Legenda del rovescio CO - Z - A - NO
(Translation: Cosa)
Bordo Smooth.
Zecca
Tiratura ND (273 BC - 250 BC) - Reverse legend left to right -
ND (273 BC - 250 BC) - Reverse legend right to left -
ID Numisquare 2322304740
Informazioni aggiuntive

Historical Context: This 1 Quartuncia bronze coin was issued by Cosa, a vital Roman colony founded in 273 BC in southern Etruria. Its mintage between 273 BC and 250 BC places it within the early Roman Republic, following the Pyrrhic Wars and during the First Punic War. The issuance of local bronze coinage by Cosa signifies its immediate integration into the Roman monetary system, providing essential small change for daily commerce within the colony, reflecting both Roman administrative control and local economic needs.

Artistry: The engraver of this early Republican bronze remains anonymous, common for utilitarian issues of this period. Stylistically, it aligns with the practical aesthetic of early Roman Republican coinage, possibly showing influence from Campanian traditions but primarily a functional Roman idiom. The obverse features a horse facing left, a motif frequently employed on contemporary Roman issues, symbolizing strength and military might, rendered with a direct and unembellished approach typical of the era.

Technical/Grading: Struck on a bronze flan weighing 4.83 grams, this Quartuncia exhibits characteristics typical of early Roman colonial issues. High-points susceptible to wear include the horse's mane, neck musculature, and eye. Early bronze production often results in irregular flans, variable strike pressure, and potential off-center strikes. The dies themselves might show some crudeness, impacting design sharpness. A well-centered strike with full details on the horse would be highly prized for its preservation.

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