Catalog
| Issuer | Lucani |
|---|---|
| Year | 209 BC - 207 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | |
| Currency | |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 14.95 g |
| Diameter | 26 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | HN Italy#1454 , Mionnet 1#484 , SNG Evelpidis#197 , HGC 1#960 |
| Obverse description | Head of Ares wearing crested Corinthian helmet to left. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | |
| Obverse lettering | |
| Reverse description | Athena advancing right, holding shield and spear; in field, sometimes, one or more symbols (owl, kithara, bukranion). |
| Reverse script | Old Italics |
| Reverse lettering | ΛOΥΚΑΝOM |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (209 BC - 207 BC) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 6629359170 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This Æ Double Unit was issued by the Lucani, an Oscan-speaking people of Southern Italy, during 209-207 BC, a critical phase of the Second Punic War. Many Lucanian cities had initially sided with Hannibal, but Roman forces were actively reconquering the region. This substantial bronze coinage signifies the Lucani's persistent, though challenged, local autonomy amidst the intense military campaigns and shifting allegiances defining Rome's struggle in Magna Graecia. Such issues provided essential currency for daily transactions during a period of immense geopolitical upheaval and Romanization.
Artistry: The engraver is anonymous; the coin’s style reflects Magna Graecia's Hellenistic tradition