Summary
Coin issued by Arpi, Apulia, Italy, Ancient Greek States, circa 250 BC
Minted by Arpi
Obverse Description
Head of Zeus facing left laureate (no legend)
Reverse Description
Kalydonian boar advancing to right, spear above (but hard to see). Legend in exergue in Greek: ARPANON
Edge Description
Plain
Significance
The city of Arpi was of great significance from pre-historic times until damaged in the Second Punic War followed by the spread of Malaria. It issued coins in the Greek style in both silver and copper. This coin features a profile head of the Greek god Zeus and an image of the Calydonian (Kalydonian) Boar, a monster in Greek mythology killed after being hunted by Olympian heroes. Calydon was situated in western Greece, north of the Gulf of Patras. The boar was released by the goddess Artemis as a punishment after her name was omitted from the annual sacrifices by King Oeneus. It destroyed the countryside until the best hunters in Greece were sent for.
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 250 BC
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Issued By
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Previous Collection
Eugene von Guerard, Melbourne, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, pre 1880
Listed in Eugene von Guerard's catalogue, vol.1, p.7. Purchased from Mr Friedlander of Berlin for 2 shillings, pre 1880. -
Material
Copper
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Axis
12
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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), 8.045 g (Weight)
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Shape
Round
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References
BMC. Italy p. 130 Nos. 4 ff. SNG ANS Part 1 Nos 635 - 639 For the story of the boar and hunt see: [Link 1]
[Book] Poole, Reginald S. 1873. A Catalogue of the Greek Coins in the British Museum, Italy., 130 Pages
[Catalogue] Pullin, Ruth. 2011. Nature Revealed: Eugene von Guerard.
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Keywords
