Catalog
| Issuer | Brundisium |
|---|---|
| Year | 215 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | |
| Currency | Drachm |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 17.69 g |
| Diameter | 26 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | HN Italy#737, SNG ANS 1#779, HGC 1#687 |
| Obverse description | Laureate head of Neptune right; behind, Nike above trident; two pellets below. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | |
| Obverse lettering | |
| Reverse description | Phalanthos riding dolphin left, holding Nike and kithara; two pellets below. |
| Reverse script | Greek |
| Reverse lettering | BR - VN |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (-215) - Circa 215 BC - |
| Numisquare ID | 1704663180 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: Struck in 215 BC, this bronze Sextans from Brundisium falls within the tumultuous Second Punic War. Following Roman defeats, Brundisium, a vital port and Roman colony, held crucial strategic importance as a gateway to the East. Local bronze coinage, like this Sextans, was essential for military funding, troop payment, and commerce in a strained wartime economy, highlighting the decentralized, critical nature of monetary supply during this national crisis.
Artistry: The anonymous engraver's work on this Sextans exemplifies the pragmatic Italic stylistic school. Brundisium’s bronze coinage frequently featured maritime themes. A common obverse depicts a deity's head, often Neptune or Mercury; the reverse showcases a dolphin or ship's prow, accompanied by two pellets denoting the Sextans. Execution prioritizes clear iconography over intricate detail, aligning with wartime production's utilitarian demands rather than artistic flourish.
Technical/Grading: This bronze Sextans, at 17.69 grams and 26 mm, exhibits a substantial fabric typical of early Second Punic War issues. High-points for wear include the deity's facial features and the dolphin's contours or prow's