1 Uncia Value series

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.