Sextans

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