Nike Bruttium The Brettii

The obverse symbol sets both variety and date: a grain ear marks the c. 216 to 211 BC half unit (HN Italy 1982); a thunderbolt marks the c. 211 to 208 BC issue (SNG ANS 115). The weight sits above the usual half-unit range.

Nike, the winged goddess of victory, and Zeus striding to hurl his thunderbolt are martial types suited to a people at war. The Brettii struck this bronze as allies of Hannibal after 216 BC, and images of victory and divine force served that alliance.

Check out my other auctions. I'll be running a good number of $1 starts with no reserve. In particular I will be running other Greek bronzes.