Catalog
1 Uncia Sunburst series
| Issuer | Populonia |
|---|---|
| Year | 215 BC - 211 BC |
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| Value | 1 Uncia = 1⁄12 As |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Diameter | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | A sunburst or radiate star motif occupies the central field, consisting of multiple petals or rays emanating from a central boss, rendered in low relief typical of Etruscan bronze coinage. The design is sometimes identified as a stylized wheel or asterisk symbol, characteristic of the Populonian 'Sunburst series' uncia. The flan is irregular and the reverse field is otherwise plain, with no legend, exergue, or additional devices. The overall execution reflects the hand-struck nature of these rare issues. |
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| Mintage | ND (215 BC - 211 BC) - Only 4 examples known |
| Additional information |
Populonia, a coastal Etruscan city-state near modern Piombino, was among the very few ancient mints to produce bronze coinage denominated in the Roman uncial system while remaining politically independent of Rome. This piece belongs to the Sunburst series struck during the Second Punic War — a period when Roman-allied and semi-aligned Italian communities alike faced pressure to sustain military supply chains. Whether Populonia struck these coins to meet tribute obligations, pay mercenaries, or simply facilitate local trade under wartime disruption remains debated.
At one uncia — one-twelfth of an as — this is the smallest denomination in the series.