Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction XVIII 29 Sep 2019
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Bruttium, Kroton AR Stater. Circa 425-350 BC. Eagle standing left on Ionic capital, with wings folded; ϘPOT above / Tripod terminating in lion's feet, barley grain to left, ϘPOT to left, E below. HN Italy 2140; Attianese -; SNG ANS O336/337. 7.79g, 23mm, 9h.
Good Extremely Fine; beautiful cabinet tone with violet and blue iridescent tones. Rare, and in superb condition for the type.
Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction VI, 29 September 2013, lot 341 (sold for £5,500);
Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 190, 11 October 2010, lot 43.
Despite later myths ascribing the founding of Kroton to Herakles, the city's historical oikist is recorded as Myskellos of Rhypai who, on consulting the Delphic oracle about his lack of children was given the response that Apollo would grant children, but that first Myskellos should found the city of Kroton 'among fair fields'. After being given directions on how to locate the site, Myskellos travelled to southern Italy to explore the land that he had been assigned, but seeing the territory of the Sybarites and thinking it superior, he returned once more to the oracle to ask whether he would be allowed to change. The answer came back that he should accept the gifts that the god gave him. A further element of the story is that Myskellos was accompanied on his expedition by Archias of Corinth; the Delphic oracle gave the pair the choice between health and wealth. Archias elected wealth, and was assigned the site of Syracuse, while Myskellos chose health: the favourable climate of Kroton, the eminent skill of its physicians and the prowess of its athletes later earned its citizens this reputation for good health.
The importance of the Delphic oracle to the founding of Kroton is thus celebrated on its coinage from the earliest days, though on this coin the tripod is relegated to the reverse of the coin apparently in favour of the eagle - an aspect of Zeus - that likely represents this coinage's striking for the purpose of an agonistic festival in honour of that god.
This particular example is of superb quality, being well struck on a broad flan, displaying full borders and excellent, lustrous metal. This is undoubtedly the finest example of this type to have been offered in many years.
Good Extremely Fine; beautiful cabinet tone with violet and blue iridescent tones. Rare, and in superb condition for the type.
Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction VI, 29 September 2013, lot 341 (sold for £5,500);
Ex Gorny & Mosch Giessener Münzhandlung, Auction 190, 11 October 2010, lot 43.
Despite later myths ascribing the founding of Kroton to Herakles, the city's historical oikist is recorded as Myskellos of Rhypai who, on consulting the Delphic oracle about his lack of children was given the response that Apollo would grant children, but that first Myskellos should found the city of Kroton 'among fair fields'. After being given directions on how to locate the site, Myskellos travelled to southern Italy to explore the land that he had been assigned, but seeing the territory of the Sybarites and thinking it superior, he returned once more to the oracle to ask whether he would be allowed to change. The answer came back that he should accept the gifts that the god gave him. A further element of the story is that Myskellos was accompanied on his expedition by Archias of Corinth; the Delphic oracle gave the pair the choice between health and wealth. Archias elected wealth, and was assigned the site of Syracuse, while Myskellos chose health: the favourable climate of Kroton, the eminent skill of its physicians and the prowess of its athletes later earned its citizens this reputation for good health.
The importance of the Delphic oracle to the founding of Kroton is thus celebrated on its coinage from the earliest days, though on this coin the tripod is relegated to the reverse of the coin apparently in favour of the eagle - an aspect of Zeus - that likely represents this coinage's striking for the purpose of an agonistic festival in honour of that god.
This particular example is of superb quality, being well struck on a broad flan, displaying full borders and excellent, lustrous metal. This is undoubtedly the finest example of this type to have been offered in many years.