Sextans

Emittente Brundisium
Anno 215 BC
Tipo Standard circulation coin
Valore
Valuta Drachm
Composizione Bronze
Peso 17.69 g
Diametro 26 mm
Spessore
Forma Round (irregular)
Tecnica Hammered
Orientamento Variable alignment ↺
Incisore/i
In circolazione fino al
Riferimento/i HN Italy#737, SNG ANS 1#779, HGC 1#687
Descrizione del dritto Laureate head of Neptune right; behind, Nike above trident; two pellets below.
Scrittura del dritto
Legenda del dritto
Descrizione del rovescio Phalanthos riding dolphin left, holding Nike and kithara; two pellets below.
Scrittura del rovescio Greek
Legenda del rovescio BR - VN
Bordo
Zecca
Tiratura ND (-215) - Circa 215 BC -
ID Numisquare 1704663180
Informazioni aggiuntive

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

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