| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 209 | Silver | Auction date: 28 April 2024 |
| Lot number: 8 Price realized: 70 EUR (Approx. 75 USD) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | Show similar lots on CoinArchives Find similar lots in upcoming auctions on  |
| Lot description: Calabria. Brundisium circa 200-100 BC. Semis Æ 20 mm, 6,07 g Laureate head of Poseidon right; Nike with wreath behind, S below / Phalanthos astride dolphin left, holding Nike and lyre; S to right, BRVN below. Good Very Fine SNG France 6.1, 1492-7. Brundisium, located in the region of Apulia in southern Italy, was a prominent ancient port city that played a crucial role in maritime trade and commerce throughout antiquity. As such, its coinage often featured imagery related to its maritime heritage and cultural identity. The portrayal of Phalanthos riding a dolphin on Brundisium's coins is a symbolic representation that connects the city's foundation myth with its maritime character. Phalanthos was a legendary figure associated with the founding of Tarentum (modern-day Taranto), another important Greek colony in southern Italy. The depiction of him riding a dolphin symbolizes his mastery over the sea and his role as a maritime leader. In Greek mythology, dolphins were often depicted as sacred creatures associated with the sea god Poseidon and were believed to be protectors of sailors and navigators. Depicting Phalanthos riding a dolphin not only emphasizes his connection to the maritime world but also conveys a sense of divine favor and protection over the city of Brundisium and its seafaring endeavors. Furthermore, the image of Phalanthos astride a dolphin serves as a potent symbol of Brundisium's identity and aspirations as a thriving port city. It reflects the city's reliance on maritime trade for its economic prosperity and its cultural ties to the broader Greek world. Starting price: 50 EUR |  |
