A Mamertine Bronze

I was drawn to this coin since it exhibited substantial eye-appeal and that it differed from the 'Magna Graecia' types I had of Hieron II---- but only distantly related to southern Italy as I discovered (or rediscovered). It seems the Mamertines were of Oscan origin, named after their Oscan war-god Mamers---or even the 'sons of Mars'-- and were employed as mercenaries by Agathocles until his death in 289 BC leaving most of these professional soldiers stranded and unemployed. They eventually made it to Messana (now known as Messina) and seized it as their own. Hieron II then waged war against them in his continuing effort to subjugate---or at least dominate--- all of Sicily. The Mamertines appealed to Carthage for help but later regretted this decision and plead for assistance from the Romans, which the Romans were at first reluctant to give. Eventually, realizing the 'wisdom' of neutralizing the growing influence of the Carthaginians, the Romans rendered aid thus establishing the centuries long strife and competition for Roman and Punic spheres of influence throughout the Mediterranean.

In any event, the Mamertines appear to have been the spark, if not the main cause for the subsequent 'First Carthaginian War' from 264-241 BC. It seems I have a bronze coin that relates to the Italian peninsula (Campania), Sicily as 'Magna Graecia' and a bronze coin as a 'symbol' of the Ist Roman/Punic War---a winning combination I found irresistible....and the devices are kinda cool too.

Mamertinoi of Messana in Sicily, 220-200 BC
AE Pentonkion; 29 mm, 12.14 grams.
Laureate head of Zeus right.
Nude warrior advancing, holding shield and spear;
mark of value to right; MAMERTINON to left.
BMC 25 ff; SNG COP 458

As many of you have doubtless noticed, my interest in coins goes far beyond 'condition' (although my prevailing budget may have something to do with this as well), rather it's predominately based on interesting devices and historical content---- vividly bringing to life the times and events of those who experienced them.

As always, please feel free to post any relevant coins you may have...

 

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A very handsome coin and nice write-up. Congrats!

 

Outstanding!!

 

Wonderful looking bronze!

 

Wow, Mikey! You have brought in a wonderful example, kudos Dude! Luvit!

 

The Mamertini, Sicily
c. 288 - 278 BCE
Bronze pentonkion
Messana mint
27.5mm, 16.29g
Obv: APEΣ, laureate head of Ares right, Macedonian helmet behind
Rev: MAMEPTINΩN, eagle standing left on a thunderbolt, head left, wings open
Ref: Calciati I p. 93, 3/1; SNG ANS 402; BMC Sicily p. 109, 3; SNG Cop 434 var (on reverse Φ left)
Ex: Forum

Comments: Mamertini or "children of Mars," was the name taken by a band of Campanian (or Samnite) freebooters who about 289 B.C. seized the Greek colony of Messana at the north-east corner of Sicily, after having been hired by Agathocles to defend it (Polyb. 1. 7. 2). - 1911 Encyclopedia Britannica

 

Great mercenary bronze! You chose an outstanding example.

 

Another fiver from the Mamertini:

 

that's a nice big greek bronze MZ...29 mm...sweet! zeus looks great as well doesn't he?

 

Thanks for the clarification @Alegandron ....and thanks all for the comments and posts---LOVE them!!

And please post any others you may have---especially those of Magna Graecia and 'mainland' Italy...... I need more coins!!

 

Somewhere in my notes I have this down as Mamartini


Sicily, Messana
Coin: Bronze Pentonkion
- Laureate head of Ares left, helmet behind.
MAMEΡTINΩN - Warrior, horse behind, standing left, spear in left, right holding head of horse, Π left.
Mint: Messana (220 - 200 BC)
Wt./Size/Axis: 10.72g / 26mm / -
References:

• SNG Cop 446, F

 

Mikey, that really is a fantastic Mamertinoi bronze! I have none to post but will gladly take yours

 

Very nice bronze, I have had a Lokris stater on my wishlist, mainly for the reverse imagery, but I mainly collect bronze. I think I may change my list and bump this coin up instead of the Lokris!

 

I think the Mamartini were interesting because there were many SAMNITES with them. They were native mountain Italia brutal fighters in 3 Samnite/Roman Wars (343-290 BCE), and Rome learned a lot of fighting tactics from them. They were an entity until Sulla, et al, after the Social War (91-88 BCE), went and wiped them out...

 

Enviable coin @Mikey Zee ! It made me think about my coin from Bruttium:


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

Think I heard mention of Heiro II:


Hiero II, 270-215 BC
Æ27, 18.4g, 6h; Sicily, Syracuse, circa 230-218/5 BC.
Obv.: Diademed head of Hiero left, beardless.
Rev.: Horseman prancing right, holding couched spear, Σ // ΙΕΡΩΝΟΣ

 

Awesome OP-coin, Mikey-Z ... congrats on the Mamertine bronze from Messana (very cool)

Hmmm Messana, eh? ... I do have a pretty sweet coin from there (and it really needs to get outside and run around a bit!!)

SICILY, Messana. AR Drachm (60 Onkia)
445-439 BC
Diameter: 18 mm
Weight: 3.59 grams
Obverse: Charioteer driving biga of mules right; above, Nike flying right, crowning horses; olive leaf and berry in exergue
Reverse: Hare springing right within wreath, ΜΕΣΣΑ-ΝION
Reference: Caltabiano Series IX, 388 (D175/R168); HGC 2, 807; SNG Lloyd 1111; SNG Lockett 820; Boston MFA 288; Jameson 651; Pozzi 487; Rizzo pl. 27, 11 (all from the same dies)
Other: 10h … toned, rough surface, scratches, scuffs. Very Rare
From the Continental Collection




... thanks for the coin-opportunity

cheers, coin-bro!!

 

WONDERFUL posts everyone !!!

 

Not as sweet as the OP but it's mine!

 

Fantastic coin!

 

At the Carolina Coin Show, I captured another early Mamertini coin...


Sicily, Messana
The Mamertini (Sons of Mars)
AE 28mm Pentonkion
27mm, 16.8g
Obv: Laureate Head of Mars
Rev: Bull butting l
Ref: BMC 17