Since the first coin is a bronze didrachm of the Bretti (Bruttium) of Southern Italy and the second is a silver drachm of the Massi (Massalia) of Southern Gaul, the opening title is not overly inaccurate. Both coins are less than perfect, respectively exhibiting wear, off-centered strikes or even weak strikes from worn dies. Needless to say, I found it quite easy to overlook the 'flaws' and I'm quite happy to have been able to purchase them at a reduced cost after numerous counter offers. Bronze Didrachm, Bruttium--circa 211-208 BC; 16.9 grams, 26mm Helmeted head of Ares left, griffin on helmet, thunderbolt below BRETTIWN Athena advancing right, holding spear, 'race' torch (?) to lower right SNG ANS 82 AR drachm of Massalia, circa 130-125 BC 2.82 grams, 19 mm Artemis wearing pennant and pearl necklace, head right,bow and quiver over left shoulder. MASSA; A in exergue Lion advancing left, palm tree under right paw. SNG COP 777, BN 1121
Both are very nice coins. Similars: My favorite coin of the Bretti is the crab hat bronze. I realize mine is not the best one out there but we can look forward to THE coin shortly, I trust.
@dougsmit, your posts are simply wonderful examples of the type---I LOVE each one!! Incredible eye-appeal !!!
@mikey, the Bruttium Didrachm is fantastic! Love that and want to find one... Massalia... I regret I have none. Bruttium Lokroi Eizephyrioi 300-268 BCE AE 23 Athena Pegasus Bruttium AE 17 Semuncia 214-211 BCE 2nd Punic Nike Zeus Biga Bruttium AE 18 Hemiobol 215-205 BC 2nd Punic Nymph Terina Nike Zeus
Wonderful trio @Alegandron !!!! Hmmm, since I now have two didrachms of Bruttium (and one drachm of Massilia), I seem to be hungering after other denominations like yours....My eventual heir will LOVE all of you on CT who have 'inspired' all my purchases. LOL
My only from Bruttium: 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 coins, Mikey! What a strange lion that is on your drachm (and Doug's). I chose to read that without the slightest hint of sarcasm or exasperation You betcha, I'll post it again! 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
LOL That is GORGEOUS!!! Yep Doug and I certainly have a strange rendition of a lion....Celtic influence???
Wow, Mikey-Z => those are both absolutely awseome OP-additions!! (I'm totally jealous of both) I especially love the obverse on the first example (great gryphon helmet) and reverse on the second example (the palm tree under lion's paw is pure genius!!) I still only have my lone humble Bruttium example ... mine is a little bit older BRUTTIUM, Rhegion. AR Litra Circa 445-435 BC Diameter: 13 mm Weight: 0.71 grams Obverse: Facing lion’s scalp Reverse: RECI within wreath Reference: Herzfelder p. 89, B; HN Italy 2485
Actually there is a hint or two of exasperation on this. About ten years ago I was at a Baltimore show and a friend/dealer Brian Kritt showed me a coin of that type that was nicer than TIF's being every bit as sharp but having a really nice green patina. I did not buy it because it was not cheap but, as a general rule, if you still remember a coin that 'got away' ten years later, you made a mistake. I do not begrudge TIF having that beautiful coin. I have seen several others that would be an upgrade over mine but none that erase the memory of that one.
I want a crab hat...I might have something similar left over from Lobsterfest 2015. Italy, Bruttium, Kroton Anonymous Civic Coinage (BC 530-520) AR Nomos 24 mm x 7.77 grams Obverse : ϘPO left field, Lion legged Tripod center , Bennu bird standing facing left. Reverse : Tripod in recess. Ref: SNG ANS 227
I have a couple from Hannibal when he was crashing around that Bruttium place... Bruttium, Carthaginian Occupation AR Half-Shekel. 3.71g, 18mm, 11h Punic mint in Bruttium, circa 216-211 BCE. Struck during the Second Punic War. Obv: Wreathed head of Tanit left Rev: Horse standing right; solar disk above, Punic letter 'ayin' below. Ref: SNG Copenhagen 361-3; HN Italy 2016. Bruttium, Carthaginian Occupation AR Half-Shekel. 3.52g, 19mm, 6h. Punic mint in Bruttium, circa 216-211 BCE. Struck during the Second Punic War. Obv: Wreathed head of Tanit left Rev: Horse standing right; solar disk above. Ref: SNG Copenhagen 359-60; HN Italy 2016. Bruttium, Carthaginian Occupation AR Half-Shekel. 3.26g, 19mm, 12h. Punic mint in Bruttium, circa 216-211 BC. Struck during the Second Punic War. Obv: Wreathed head of Tanit left Rev: Horse standing right; solar disk above, Punic letter 'ayin' below. Ref: SNG Copenhagen 361-3; HN Italy 2016.
Thanks. I know they are NOT the purdiest on the shelf, but I won these for a song. Was surprised more bids did not crash down on me.
BRUTTIUM, Rhegion. AR hemitartemorion I wasn't going to show this little guy but it wanted to be in the same thread with Steve's massive litra. At 1/8 litra it only weighs about 0.1g but has the same lion head facing and RE reverse. Also, Rhegion is as far south as you get without crossing to Sicily so it fits the theme quite well.
Neat coin, Mentor ... man, I thought my Litra was wee at 0.71 grams => my coin definitely would have pushed your coin around on the playground and asked it for its lunch-money!! ... I feel that our two coins should get together and form a sweet and strong team!! => my mailing address is ... Yah, I must admit that I alway cheer for the underdog, so I guess I should be mailing my bully your way, eh?
Utterly amazing posts everyone!!! My other didrachm of the Bretti and my my first purchased about two months ago---with Ares but a 'slightly' different reverse...
