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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;Mikey Zee, post: 2406812, member: 72818&quot;]I was drawn to this coin since it exhibited substantial eye-appeal and that it differed from the &#039;Magna Graecia&#039; types&nbsp; I had of Hieron II---- but only distantly related to southern Italy as I discovered (or rediscovered<img src="styles/default/xenforo/clear.png" class="mceSmilieSprite mceSmilie2" alt=";)" unselectable="on" unselectable="on" />). It seems the Mamertines were of Oscan origin, named after their Oscan war-god Mamers---or even the &#039;sons of Mars&#039;-- 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 &#039;wisdom&#039; 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.</p><p><br /></p><p>In any event, the Mamertines appear to have been the spark, if not the main cause for the subsequent &#039;First Carthaginian War&#039; from 264-241 BC. It seems I have a bronze coin that relates to the Italian peninsula (Campania), Sicily as &#039;Magna Graecia&#039; and a bronze coin as a &#039;symbol&#039; of the Ist Roman/Punic War---a winning combination I found irresistible....and the devices are kinda cool too<img src="styles/default/xenforo/clear.png" class="mceSmilieSprite mceSmilie8" alt=":D" unselectable="on" unselectable="on" />.</p><p><br /></p><p>Mamertinoi of Messana in Sicily, 220-200 BC</p><p>AE Pentonkion; 29 mm, 12.14 grams.</p><p>Laureate head of Zeus right.</p><p>Nude warrior advancing, holding shield and spear;</p><p>mark of value to right; MAMERTINON to left.</p><p>BMC 25 ff; SNG COP 458</p><p><br /></p><p>As many of you have doubtless noticed, my interest in coins goes far beyond &#039;condition&#039; (although my prevailing budget may have something to do with this as well<img src="styles/default/xenforo/clear.png" class="mceSmilieSprite mceSmilie2" alt=";)" unselectable="on" unselectable="on" />), rather it&#039;s predominately based on interesting devices and historical content---- vividly bringing to life the times and events of those who experienced them.</p><p><br /></p><p>As always, please feel free to post any relevant coins you may have...</p><p>[ATTACH=full]496785[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=full]496786[/ATTACH][/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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