Ex Herman, Moretti, and Vlasto Collections

Triton XX, Lot: 7. Estimate $2000. Sold for $3000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

CALABRIA, Tarentum. temp. Alexander the Molossian. Circa 333-331/0 BC. AV Twelfth Stater – Hemilitra (6.5mm, 0.43 g, 7h). Radiate head of Helios facing slightly right / Thunderbolt; TARAN above, AΠOΛ below. Fischer-Bossert G3b (V3/R3) = Vlasto 14 (this coin); HN Italy 906; SNG ANS 977; SNG BN 1775-6; SNG Copenhagen 833; SNG Lloyd 188; Jameson 145; McClean 596 (all from the same dies). Good VF, underlying luster, slight die wear on reverse. Very rare.

From the collection of a Northern California Gentleman. Ex David Herman Collection (Triton X, 9 January 2007), lot 27; Triton V (15 January 2002), lot 1050; Classical Numismatic Group 40 (with Numismatica Ars Classica, 4 December 1996), lot 591; Athos D. Moretti Collection (forthcoming), 9; Michel Pandely Vlasto Collection, 14.

This issue mimics the types employed by Alexander of Epiros on his gold fractions struck at Tarentum, and confirms the chronological placement of this issue during Alexander’s expedition to Italy.