I couldn't resist going after this particular bronze with it's Greek deities combined with that ancient toned and worn appearance. This 'double unit' was struck during the middle of the Hannibalic War and was circulating as the First Macedonian War commenced. Bruttium is located in that area of southern Italy, roughly the present Calabrian section of south-western Italy, at the toe of the Italian peninsula. Bruttium faced Sicily across the Strait of Messina, and was inhabited in the interior by the Brutti and the Lucani. It was settled during the 8th century BC by Greek colonists and conquered by the Romans in the 3rd century BC. The name of 'Bruttii' or Bruttium may have been given by either the Greeks or Lucanians and adopted by the Romans. I think I'll allow @Alegandron (or anyone else) to expand any further historically or numismatically, merely adding that the Bretti were among the first to declare for Hannibal during the Second Punic War after the battle of Cannae.... Hmmm, Bretti, Brutti---Too maytoe, too mahtoe.......OMG, Steve is rubbing off on me AE-25 of the Bretti (Bruttium), struck circa 208-205 BC Bearded head of Ares left, wearing crested Corinthian helmet with griffith, below ear of corn in field right, mark of value--two pellets. BRETTI ON Nike standing left crowning trophy, holding palm branch with her left hand, cornucopiae, six pointed star (hexagram) below. SNG ANS 39; 13.98 grams, 25 mm
Dude you nailed it! Well done, great stuff... And I am a sucker for maps! That AE25 is VERY nice...centered well, nice strike, gorgeous work, and well preserved bronze! I am going to have to go GET ONE because of you!
The VAST majority of those collecting ancients revel in and insist upon that aged patina and 'uncleaned' appearance...and Welcome @New Windsor Bill Thanks guys for the kind comments!!!
Gorgeous coin!!!! I can actually see the griffith on your example!!! Your coin appears silver and perhaps a nomos or a drachm or is it bronze? I believe the reverse is of Hera?
Hello, I found this coin on ebay; item # 172228234804. I was considering to buy it. When I saw yours I fell in love. this is Bruttium, the Bretti AE Didrachim Circa 211-208 BC , obverse: Helmeted head of Ares Left: thunderbolt below. Reverse: Brettiwn Athena advancing right, holding shield and spear, race torch to lower right. Size: 26mm, weight 16.90g and this is a bronze coin.
@New Windsor Bill that is a lovely coin, but have you checked other sources to get a feel for the average price? For example, that exact same coin selling by the same dealer is on Vcoins for $41 less. I'm sure there are others out there for your buying pleasure. Good luck my friend.
