Here's my first coin purchased in 2018: Bruttium, Brettian League (c.211-208 BC). AE Unit (obol?) (22mm, 8.3g). Obverse: Bust of Zeus right. Reverse: Eagle standing on lightning-bolt facing left, cornucopia before, legend BPET-TIWN around. SNG ANS 44ff, Sear GCV 704. Purchased from John Anthony auction. Bruttium refers to the "boot-tip" region of southern Italy, the area now called Calabria. (Confusingly, "Calabria" was the ancient name for the "heel" of Italy, the region now called Apulia.) A number of Greek colony-cities were established along the coast starting in the eight and seventh centuries BC, while the mountainous interior region remained sparsely populated. In the fourth century BC the Bruttii started to move into the area from the neighboring region of Lucania. The Bruttii were apparently a mixed group of former slaves and other fugitives who were fleeing strife in their homeland; the name Bruttii meant "rebels" in the Lucanian language. The Bruttii conquered the mountainous highlands (probably mixing with the local inhabitants) and over a period of decades took over the cities. They fought an invasion by Agathocles of Syracuse in the 290s BC and sent troops to help Pyrrhus in his wars against the Romans. After the final defeat of Pyrrhus, the Romans were able to compel the Bruttii to unfavorable peace terms. This included giving Rome half the forest of Sila, which produced valuable timber and whose trees also yielded excellent pitch, so vital in making seaworthy ships. During the Second Punic War (218-201 BC), the Bruttians decided to ally themselves to Carthage. Hanno, one of Hannibal's subordinates, made his base in Bruttian territory, and after the death of Hasdrubal Hannibal himself spent four years in Bruttium, where the mountainous terrain made it impossible for the Roman legions to fight effectively. After the defeat of Hannibal Bruttium was forced back into the Roman orbit; several Roman colonies were established in the territory, and the area was absorbed into the broader Roman world and the Bruttii ceased to be a distinct people. This coin follows absolutely standard Hellenistic designs with no local "color", though the execution is well done and this is a nicely preserved specimen. I won this coin from John Anthony's auction for $40, which is an excellent price for this coin in this condition. I bought it for its historical interest and relevance to the Punic Wars, but also a more personal reason. Some of my ancestors on my father's side came from Bruttium/Calabria, so there is a decent chance that at least some of my ancient ancestors would have handled this coin or others of its type. Post your Bruttian coins, or whatever else is related.
Great coin and a great price! I have a similar type that should be arriving Monday. I'll post it when it comes. I'm also from the mountains of Calabria along the Savuto river near ancient Terina. So much history there and NO TOURISTS! I love it. Here's a few of mine... Veiled head of Hera Lakinia right, wearing polos; scepter over shoulder, feather to left ΒΡΕΤΤΙΩΝ Zeus standing left, right foot on ionic capital, holding scepter; crab to left, [tiny Γ between foot and scepter]. Second Punic War issue. Circa 216-214 BC. 3.88 g. Arslan dies 12/17’; Scheu 68–77 var. (obv. symbol); HN Italy 1969. VF, toned, struck with worn dies. Rare issue with feather on obverse, unknown to Scheu. Ex-CNG 407 lot 14, From the B. H. Webb Collection. Ex-Pipito Collection Bruttium, Bronze semis head of Juno (Hera) right, wearing stephane, S (mark of value) behind VALENTIA Double cornucopia overflowing with grain and grapes, carnyx (control symbol) and S (mark of value) on right Vibo Valentia mint, 193 - 150 B.C. 3.57g, 18.1 mm 270o Mensitieri Valentia 211; HN Italy 2263; SNG ANS 483, SNG Cop 1849; BMC Italy p. 361, 16 (control described as staff ending in boar's head) Ex-Forum from the Andrew McCabe Collection
That's a wonderful example of the type! I love JA's auctions. The man has good taste and opening bids are generally low . I have a coin of the Brettii and it is one of the favorites in my collection. BRUTTIUM, the Brettii 216-214 BCE Æ quartuncia, 13.5mm, 2.06 g Obv: head of Amphitrite left, wearing crab headdress Rev: crab; torch above, BPET-TIΩN above and below Ref: Pfeiler p. 33, 4a; Scheu, Bronze 51; HN Italy 1944; SNG ANS 123–4; SNG Lloyd –; McClean 1579 https://www.cointalk.com/threads/a-bronze-of-the-brettii-poseidons-wife.274722/
Great capture! Here's mine: The Brettii, Bruttium AE, reduced uncia, 23mm, 8.3g; 3h; BC 211-208 Obv.: Laureate head of Zeus right, thunderbolt behind Rev.: BPETTIΩN; Warrior advancing right holding spear and shield, at feet, owl flying right
NICE ONE! Very similar to mine except I have a bucranium instead of owl Laureated and bearded head of Zeus right, at left thunderbolt, dotted border BΡETTIΩN warrior attacking right holding shield and spear; below bucranium. Dotted border. 211-208 BC Scheu 42; HNItaly 1988; SNG Copenhagen 1658; SNG ANS 108. 8.05g Round punch mark on obverse.
Nice capture and great coin @Parthicus ! I have some Carthage Occupation of Bruttium... Bruttium Carthage occupation 2nd Punic War AR Half-Shekel 216-211 Tanit Horse SOLAR-O HN Italy 2016 SNG Cop 361-3 Bruttium Carthage occupation 2nd Punic War AR Half-Shekel 216-211 Tanit Horse SOLAR disc HN Italy 2016 Bruttium Carthage occupation Hannibal Italy 215-205 BC 2nd Punic War AE 19 Tanit Horse Hd RARE A few others of Bruttium... Bruttium Lokroi Eizephyrioi 300-268 BC AE 23 Athena Pegasus Bruttium AE 17 Semuncia 214-211 2nd Punic Nike Zeus Biga Bruttium AE 18 Hemiobol 215-205 BC 2nd Punic Nymph Terina Nike Zeus
My new coin arrived today. From the Tony Hardy collection: Laureate and bearded head of Zeus right. BPET-TIΩN Eagle standing left with open wings; at left cornucopiae, above double-axe. 214-211 BC 7.69g HN Italy 1978
Nice coin, @Parthicus, made even nicer by your writeup. Love this CT forum due to the ‘1+1=3’ effect (coin+story). @Severus Alexander ‘s top 15 also comes to mind as such an example.
