Summary
Coin issued by Aesernia, Samnium, Italy, Ancient Greek States, circa 300 BC
Minted by Aeserniae
Obverse Description
Head of Hephaistos (Vulcan) facing left wearing a laureate pilos. Behind the head is a pair of tongs and in front VOLCANOM.
Reverse Description
Zeus driving a biga to the right, above a flying Nike holding a wreath. In exergue, AISERNINO (partly off the flan)
Edge Description
Plain
Significance
The city of Aesernia (modern Isernia) through its position near the Volturnus river controlled north-west Samnium. A Roman Latin Colony was placed there in 263 BC. The obverse of this coin depicts the Greek god Hephaistos (Roman Volcanus), a fire god and patron of black-smith's fires (hence the thongs behind his head). On the reverse the Greek god Zeus is depicted in the act of hurlig a thunderbolt while driving a two-horse chariot at speed. Nike (Roman Victory) is flying above presenting a wreath.
More Information
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Collection Names
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Transfer from National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), 15 Mar 1976
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Date Issued
circa 300 BC
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Issued By
Aesernia, Samnium, Italy, Ancient Greek States, circa 300 BC
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Previous Collection
Eugene von Guerard, pre 1880
Catalogue I, p.5 -
Listed in Eugene von Guerard's catalogue, vol.1, p.5 under Ager Picenus. Purchased by Eugene von Guerard from the London coin dealer Mr Lincoln for 3 shillings. -
Deity Depicted
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Material
Copper
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Axis
06
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Dimensions
22 mm (Outside Diameter), 6.921 g (Weight)
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Shape
Round
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References
BMC. Italy, p. 67, No.1 SNG. ANS. Part 1. Nos 118 to 123 and plate 4.
[Book] Poole, Reginald S. 1873. A Catalogue of the Greek Coins in the British Museum, Italy., 67 Pages
[Catalogue] Pullin, Ruth. 2011. Nature Revealed: Eugene von Guerard.
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Keywords
