Lucania, Poseidonia. Silver Nomos (7.53 g), ca. 530-500 BC. ΠOΣ, Poseidon, nude but for cloak over shoulders, advancing right, stretching forth arm and wielding trident.
Reverse: ΠOΣ (in relief), Incuse of obverse. SNG Locker Lampson 25; Gillet photo file 207 (same dies); HN Italy 1107. An exceptionally fine example, of superb early Archaic style. Perfectly centered and finely detailed, and with hint or light iridescent toning. The metal of exceptional quality. One of the finest examples of this early archaic style, and certainly worthy of a record price!
Nearly Mint State. Estimated Value $25,000 - UP
Poseidonia, a city on the western coast of Italy bordering the Tyrrhenian Sea, was founded by colonists from Sybaris sometime during the final years of the 7th century BC. Although the ruins of Poseidonia today are principally known or its three majestic Doric temples, none of these have been identified as temples of Poseidon. In fact, no temple to Poseidon has ever been definitively identified in the city's remains, although as evidenced here by the types on this truly magnificent nomos and also in the city's name, the cult of the god must have played an very significant role for the city's early inhabitants. According to historical tradition, there existed a sanctuary to Poseidon on the promontory below the city, and it is likely that Poseidonia takes its name from this sanctuary.
Ex Roma XIII (23 March 2017), 30.
Ancient Coins
