CAMPANIA. Neapolis. Circa 300-275 BC. Didrachm

A classic Neapolitan silver didrachm from the early Hellenistic period, struck when the city of Neapolis (modern Naples) was at its artistic and economic peak.

Obverse:

Head of Nymph Parthenope (or sometimes identified as a local nymph of Neapolis), wearing a wreath, usually rendered in a refined late Classical style.

Reverse:

Man‑faced bull (the river god Acheloös) walking or standing right, crowned by Nike flying above; ethnic NEOPOLITΩN typically appears around the design.

Historical Context:

These didrachms reflect Neapolis’ strong cultural ties to Magna Graecia and its prosperous maritime economy. The bull/Nike motif emphasizes divine favor and local riverine identity, while the fine style of engraving shows the influence of South Italian Greek mints in the decades following Alexander the Great.