5 Units Head of Apulu

Emittent Peithesa
Jahr 301 BC - 250 BC
Typ Standard circulation coin
Nennwert 5 Units
Währung Æ Unit (circa 301-250 BC)
Material Bronze
Gewicht 2.70 g
Durchmesser 14 mm
Dicke
Form Round (irregular)
Prägetechnik Hammered
Ausrichtung
Stempelschneider
Im Umlauf bis
Referenz(en) HN Italy#74, SambonArt#130, Vicari#246, Baglione#8, SNG Firenze 2#1156
Aversbeschreibung Apulu wearing laureate facing right with value behind.
Aversschrift
Averslegende V
(Translation: 5)
Reversbeschreibung Owl facing right with value in front.
Reversschrift
Reverslegende V
(Translation: 5)
Rand Smooth.
Prägestätte
Auflage ND (301 BC - 250 BC) - -
Numisquare-ID 2321417540
Zusätzliche Informationen

Historical Context: The 5 Units bronze coin, featuring the Head of Apulu, was issued by Peithesa, an indigenous Bruttian community in Magna Graecia, between 301 and 250 BC. This period was characterized by significant geopolitical flux in Southern Italy, with declining independent Greek city-states and the ascendance of Rome. The minting of local bronze currency by smaller entities like Peithesa underscores their efforts to maintain economic autonomy and facilitate daily commerce, providing valuable insight into the localized economies of Italic polities navigating a complex Hellenistic landscape.

Artistry: The obverse design, depicting the head of Apulu (Apollo), exemplifies the pervasive Hellenistic artistic influence across Magna Graecia, even in indigenous Italic mints. While the engraver remains anonymous, the stylistic school adheres to contemporary Greek ideals, portraying the deity with idealized features, often adorned with a laurel wreath. Apollo's inclusion on the coinage suggests either a local cult veneration within Peithesa or a broader cultural identification with the Greek pantheon, reflecting a shared artistic and religious koine prevalent in the region.

Technical/Grading: Struck in bronze, measuring 14mm and weighing 2.70 grams, this 5-unit piece typically exhibits variable strike quality, a common characteristic of regional bronze issues from this era. High-points susceptible to wear and critical for assessing strike detail include Apulu's hair, facial features, and the intricacies of his laurel wreath. A well-centered and fully struck example will display a sharp, complete portrait, though minor flan imperfections or slight off-centering are frequently observed due to the minting techniques and small module.

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