Archaeological Museum of Bologna

This rare small gold coin was issued by the mint of Taranto, an important city of Magna Graecia, between 276 and 272 BC; on the obverse appears the head of Athena, wearing crested Corinthian helmet, and in the right field the monogram NIK. The reverse depicts an owl with open wings, leaning on a lightning, and in the right field the monogram AP, probably a test mark of the mint.

More info

This type of coin has the association between the goddess Athena and the a owl, her acred animal, thet we find in a lot of Athens' coins. The coinage of this coin and others made of gold is surely linked with Taranto and Pirro, king of Epirus, who was called by the population of Tarentini in 280 against Romans.

Provenance: University Collection
Datation: c. 276 - 272 BC
Material: oro
Dimensions: diam mm 10; gr 1,07
Inventory #: 21711