CENTRAL ITALY, Sextans

    The earliest Roman coinage followed that of the Greek colonies in Southern Italy. Issued during the Republican era, c.280-260 B.C., these coins were cast bronze pieces, with their value based on the Roman system of weights. The earliest Ases weighed a cumbersome 324 grams, equal to a Roman libra (pound). The As was divided into twelve Uncias (ounces), along with three other fractional denominations.: the Semis, equal to half an As; the Triens a third; and the Sextans a sixth, with their weights proportionate to their value. Shortly after the introduction of the bronze coinage, silver didrachms (and some drachms) were minted, in order to facilitate trade with Rome's neighbors. Cast bronze coinage continued to be issued for seven decades, but with gradually reduced weight standards, until it was replaced by struck coins, c.211 B.C., under the monetary reforms that were made necessary by the Second Punic War.


CENTRAL ITALY, Sextans, 280-260 B.C., 39.76 grams

    On the obverse is an Owl standing, facing left, with a Boar's head facing left, dividing two pellets. A very rare coin, with only six specimens known to Thurlow and Vecchi. References: RCV 574 Crawford 35/2; Sydenham 174, T&V 217. (Lot #114, Stack's Coin Galleries 11-12-03 Auction.)
    == SOLD ==


Contributed by Henri Delger, July, 2006.