ROMAN. Anonymous. Circa 300/280-276 BC. Silver Didrachm (7.04g). Uncertain (Neapolis?) mint. Helmeted head of Mars left; oak spray to right / Horse's head right, wearing bridle, on base inscribed ROMANO; stalk of grain to left. Crawford 13/1; Burnett 18 (Oc/R12); Sydenham 1; RSC 4; cf. RBW 3 (for type). Very rare and in unusually fine condition for this very difficult issue. gVF. This didrachm, struck during a turbulent period of transition in Magna Graecia, captures the uncertainty and fluidity of power in Southern Italy around 300-276 BC. Without a magistrate's name or city ethnic, the coin reflects a moment when civic identity may have been intentionally understated, possibly due to external threats or internal reforms. The anonymity could suggest an emergency issue, regional alliance, or military campaign where the emphasis was on shared purpose rather than local pride. These enigmatic pieces offer a fascinating glimpse into a time when Greek cities in Italy balanced tradition with the pressures of shifting alliances, war, and the rising shadow of Rome. (P)

Estimate: AUD 2500