Numismatica Ars Classica
Auction 116 1 Oct 2019
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
The Serdaioi
Triobol circa 500-475, AR 1.24 g. ΣEP Head of Dionysus r. with pointed beard. Rev. Bunch of grapes. de Luynes 1139 (these dies). Historia Numorum Italy 1718 (Lucania). AMB 164. L. Brousseau, RN 2010, 3c and p. 263, fig. 7c (this coin).
Extremely rare, only six specimens known. A very intriguing issue with a
portrait of fine Archaic style, lovely iridescent tone and extremely fine
Ex Sternberg XVIII, 1986, 21 and Morton & Eden 51, 2010, Exceptional ancient Greek coins, 12 sales.
The location of this mysterious mint has been debated over the years and has been ascribed not only to South Italy, but to Sicily and Sardinia as well. The coin type is reminiscent of the issues of Naxos and this is probably the reason why some scholars have identified Sicily as the origin of this coinage. Hoard evidence, the Achaean weight standard and the ethnics surely point to a South Italian location. Moreover, the publication by Cahn of a fraction with legend MEPD, confirms identification with the Serdaioi who made a treaty with the Sybarites which survives on a bronze tablet from Olympia.
Triobol circa 500-475, AR 1.24 g. ΣEP Head of Dionysus r. with pointed beard. Rev. Bunch of grapes. de Luynes 1139 (these dies). Historia Numorum Italy 1718 (Lucania). AMB 164. L. Brousseau, RN 2010, 3c and p. 263, fig. 7c (this coin).
Extremely rare, only six specimens known. A very intriguing issue with a
portrait of fine Archaic style, lovely iridescent tone and extremely fine
Ex Sternberg XVIII, 1986, 21 and Morton & Eden 51, 2010, Exceptional ancient Greek coins, 12 sales.
The location of this mysterious mint has been debated over the years and has been ascribed not only to South Italy, but to Sicily and Sardinia as well. The coin type is reminiscent of the issues of Naxos and this is probably the reason why some scholars have identified Sicily as the origin of this coinage. Hoard evidence, the Achaean weight standard and the ethnics surely point to a South Italian location. Moreover, the publication by Cahn of a fraction with legend MEPD, confirms identification with the Serdaioi who made a treaty with the Sybarites which survives on a bronze tablet from Olympia.