Morning - I have noticed that Didrachm from the Greek city states of southern Italy are seven point something grams. What is the acceptable weight range, and why are some in the six handle? Is this an indication of a fouree or just a variance in input flan weight. thanks, hope everyone is enjoying their Sunday!
One of the issues that you have to be mindful of when looking at the coins of Magna Graecia is the date. The didrachm or Nomos ( a term popular with modern numismatists) has been minted more or less continuously from circa 550 BC to roughly 209 BC when the last of these cities ceased striking coins. Naturally during this time period the weight of the Nomos fell from something like 8. grms circa 540 BC to something like 6.6 grms circa 240 BC The cities of Magna Graecia were usually in a perpetual state of war with each other and other regional powers and thus needed to mint a steady stream of coins but as i do not believe they had access to a native supply of silver, that had to come from elsewhere. Nomos of Taras 240-228 BC Obv Horseman in armor riding prancing horse right being crowned by Nike Rv Taras riding dolphin left holding Nike and trident spear Vlasto 963 6.51 grms 19 mm Photo by W. Hansen
