Roma Numismatics Ltd
E-Sale 68 27 Feb 2020
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Lucania, Thourioi AR Distater. Circa 350-300 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing Attic helmet decorated with Skylla / Bull charging right, ΘΟΥΡΙΩ[Ν] ΕΥΦΑ above; two fish swimming to right in exergue. HN Italy 1823; Noe, Thurian J16 (same dies as illustration). 15.49g, 25mm, 6h.
Near Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone.
Acquired from Classical Numismatic Group.
The types presented on this coin allude to the origins of the city in the mid-fifth century BC: the foundation of Thourioi was the outcome of an appeal made by the refugees of Sybaris, recently destroyed by Kroton, to Sparta and Athens for assistance and reinforcement in their attempt to re-establish their city in the face of Krotoniate opposition. Athens answered their plea, dispatching ten ships manned by Athenians and Peloponnesians. Thus Sybaris was refounded, though dissensions between the Sybarites and the new colonists ended in a civil conflict, on account of the former laying claim not only to honorary distinctions, but to the exclusive possession of important political privileges. At length many of the Sybarites were expelled, and Thourioi's population was swelled by fresh colonists from all parts of Greece. Though the Athenians by now formed a relatively small proportion of the population, Thourioi continued to be regarded as an Athenian colony, maintaining close ties with Athens, and indeed providing assistance to Athens' ill-fated campaign against Syracuse. It is therefore unsurprising that Athena should feature as the patron deity of the city, prominently displayed on its coinage, while the reverse is an adaptation of the emblem of Sybaris, upon which Thourioi was built.
Near Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone.
Acquired from Classical Numismatic Group.
The types presented on this coin allude to the origins of the city in the mid-fifth century BC: the foundation of Thourioi was the outcome of an appeal made by the refugees of Sybaris, recently destroyed by Kroton, to Sparta and Athens for assistance and reinforcement in their attempt to re-establish their city in the face of Krotoniate opposition. Athens answered their plea, dispatching ten ships manned by Athenians and Peloponnesians. Thus Sybaris was refounded, though dissensions between the Sybarites and the new colonists ended in a civil conflict, on account of the former laying claim not only to honorary distinctions, but to the exclusive possession of important political privileges. At length many of the Sybarites were expelled, and Thourioi's population was swelled by fresh colonists from all parts of Greece. Though the Athenians by now formed a relatively small proportion of the population, Thourioi continued to be regarded as an Athenian colony, maintaining close ties with Athens, and indeed providing assistance to Athens' ill-fated campaign against Syracuse. It is therefore unsurprising that Athena should feature as the patron deity of the city, prominently displayed on its coinage, while the reverse is an adaptation of the emblem of Sybaris, upon which Thourioi was built.