Sicily. Thermai Himeraiai. Circa 383-367 BC. Litra (Silver, 13.64 mm, 0.72 g). ΘΕΡΜΙΤΑΝ, Head of Hera right, wearing stephane and polos decorated with three palmettes, a pendant earring and a pearl necklace; within a linear circle. Rev. Herakles-Melkart naked, seated left on a rock covered by lion's skin, holding club; behind, bow. Campana CNAI III (partial), 164, 2A (this coin mentioned). Viola CNP 947 (same dies, but incorrect description). SNG ANS 1341 var. (flower in obverse). De Luynes 984 var. (monogram in obverse). McClean 2309 (same dies). Weber 1365 (same dies). Buceti 3C (same dies). HGC 2, 1614 (same, but incorrect description). Attractively toned. A fascinating head of Hera, engraved by a master in a refined Classic style. Good Very Fine. Rare.

Ex Gorny & Mosch 76, 22 April 1996, lot 39.

The city of Thermai Himeraiai was founded by Carthage using Punic settlers and the survivors of the original city of Himera that Carthage had destroyed in her campaigns against Selinos and Himera in the Second Sicilian War (410-404 BC). The new city was subject to Punic rule and this continued until the city surrendered to Rome towards the end of the First Punic War. The name Thermai Himeraiai is due to the existence of hot thermal springs nearby, still used today.