Æ Teruncius

Venusia was a Latin colony planted by Rome in 291 BC on the contested border between Samnium and Apulia, its foundation a deliberate strategic anchor following the Third Samnite War. The city's right to strike bronze coinage was a privilege extended to select Latin colonies, and the heavy weights typical of early Venusian issues reflect the pre-reform Italian bronze standard before Rome's monetary reorganization in the mid-third century. At roughly 87 grams, this teruncius sits at the heavier end of what the series produced, suggesting an early date within the bracket — likely closer to 275 than 225.