Æ16 (265 BC - 240 BC) front Æ16 (265 BC - 240 BC) back
Æ16 (265 BC - 240 BC) photo
© Bertolami Fine Arts

Æ16 265 BC - 240 BC

 
Bronze 3.39 g 15 mm
Description
Issuer
Beneventum (Samnium)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
265 BC - 240 BC
Composition
Bronze
Weight
3.39 g
Diameter
15 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-10
References
Numista
N#185158
Rarity index
97%

Reverse

Horse prancing right with star above.

Edge

Plain

Comment

While the denominations of pieces from Beneventum are unknown, there are no reported half units. Even so, the weights of pieces with unconfirmable legends are significantly lower than those with confirmable legends, meaning they may have been different denominations.

Another example (4.56 grams; 16.5 millimetres):


© Classical Numismatic Group, Inc.

Interesting fact

The coin features the image of a horse on its obverse side, which was a common motif in ancient Samnium coins. The horse was an important symbol of strength, speed, and fertility in ancient Samnium culture, and its depiction on coins was believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the bearer.