Summary
Sextans issued by Capua, Campania, Italy, Ancient Greek States, circa 215 BC
Minted by Capua
Obverse Description
Head of Hercules to right. He is diademed and carries a club on his left shoulder. Border of dots
Reverse Description
A lion advancing right with head raised and facing. In its mouth is a spear (being carried according to British Museum or broken with left fore paw according to ANS). In exergue a legend (largely worn away). Above the lion are two dots giving the denomination as a sextans.
Edge Description
Plain
Significance
The victory of Hannibal over superior Roman forces at the Batle of Cannae on 2 August 216 BC saw the defection of a number of Italian cities to him, most significantly Capua. The mint at Capua began striking coins in gold silver and, on a large scale, copper. This coin belongs to the period that Capua was under Hannibal, the city was recaptured by the Romans in 211.
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), Mr Lincoln, 15 Mar 1976
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Date Issued
circa 215 BC
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Issued By
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Previous Collection
Eugene von Guerard, Melbourne, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, pre 1880
This coin purchased by him from Lincoln of London for 3 shillings and 6 pence. -
Denomination
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Material
Copper
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Axis
03
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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
23 mm (Outside Diameter), 11.476 g (Weight)
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Shape
Round
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References
BMC. Italy, page 80 Nos. 1 and 2 (line drawing) SNG ANS Part 1 Nos 208 - 209 and plate 6
[Book] Poole, Reginald S. 1873. A Catalogue of the Greek Coins in the British Museum, Italy., 80 Pages
[Book] Crawford, Michael H. 1985. Coinage & Money under the Roman Republic., 62-63 Pages
[Catalogue] Pullin, Ruth. 2011. Nature Revealed: Eugene von Guerard.
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Keywords
