Catalog
| Issuer | Volaterrae |
|---|---|
| Year | 230 BC - 220 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Uncia = 1⁄12 As |
| Currency | As (circa 230-220 BC) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 11.07 g |
| Diameter | 23 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | ICC#134, HN Italy#108g, Catalli#72g, Haeberlin#p.244, SNG Firenze 2#908 |
| Obverse description | Janiform head of Culsan wearing petasos. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | |
| Obverse lettering | |
| Reverse description | One dot surrounded by legend. |
| Reverse script | Greek |
| Reverse lettering |
VELA - ΘRI (Translation: Volaterrae) |
| Edge | Smooth. |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (230 BC - 220 BC) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 7912186930 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 1 Uncia Value series, issued by the Etruscan city-state of Volaterrae (modern Volterra) between 230 BC and 220 BC, marks a pivotal era. This period saw increasing Roman hegemony following the Punic Wars. Volaterrae, a prominent Etruscan dodecapolis member, retained autonomy, including coinage rights. This bronze issue facilitated local trade, signifying the city's enduring political identity and economic vitality amidst the expanding Roman Republic.
Artistry: The artistic execution of this 1 Uncia coin embodies the distinctive Etruscan stylistic school of the mid-3rd century BC. The anonymous engraver worked within local traditions, integrating indigenous Etruscan deities or symbolic animals, sometimes with Hellenistic influences. Typical designs for this series feature a deity's head on the obverse and an animal or implement on the reverse, conveying civic pride or religious veneration through robust relief work characteristic of provincial mints.
Technical/Grading: Struck in bronze, this 1 Uncia coin measures 23 mm and weighs approximately 11.07 grams, consistent with the series' metrology. High-points susceptible to wear typically include the highest relief elements, such as facial features or prominent musculature. Strike quality can vary, often exhibiting minor off-centring or irregular flan shapes, common for bronze issues of the period. Its identification is firmly established by references including ICC#134 and HN Italy#108g.