Banner Artemide LXV
Dritto moneta Rovescio moneta
Dritto Rovescio
Lot # 75
Greek Italy. Bruttium, Kroton. Alliance issue with Sybaris. AR Stater, c. 500-400 BC. D/ ϘPO. Tripod with legs ending in lion’s paws. R/ Incuse bull standing right, head reverted; MV below. HN Italy 2098; SNG ANS 873; SNG Lloyd 631; HGC 1 1534. AR. 7.62 g. 23.5 mm. RRRR. Extremely rare and seldom offered type. VF. This rare issue belongs to the group traditionally known as the “alliance” coinage of Croton, though it may more accurately reflect Croton’s dominance over neighbouring communities. The reverse type and legend refer to Sybaris, the great Achaean city of Lucania. By the early fifth century BC, when this coin was struck, Sybaris had already declined from the remarkable prosperity it had enjoyed during the sixth century.

Founded around 720 BC, Sybaris became renowned in antiquity for the wealth and luxurious habits of its inhabitants. Ancient writers even claimed that at the height of its power the city controlled numerous dependent settlements and could field an army of 300,000 hoplites—figures that probably reflect its legendary reputation.

Around 510 BC Sybaris was defeated by Croton after a conflict triggered by political upheaval under the tyrant Telys. Ancient sources describe the city as destroyed, yet the present coin suggests that some form of settlement survived under Crotoniate control, likely as a dependent community within its sphere of influence.
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B.P.: 20.00%
Closing on: 2026-05-02 14:00:00 Roma time