© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
Half litra Anonymous; ROMA 235 BC - 230 BC
| Bronze | 1.71 g | 11 mm |
| Issuer | Rome › Roman Republic (509 BC - 27 BC) |
|---|---|
| Period | Republic (509 BC - 27 BC) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 235 BC - 230 BC |
| Value | ½ Litra (0.1) |
| Currency | Drachm (?-235 BC) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 1.71 g |
| Diameter | 11 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#67089 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 95% |
Reverse
Dog walking right, left foreleg raised; ROMA in exergue.
Script: Latin
Lettering: ROMA
Comment
This type was described as a quarter litra or sixteenth of an ounce rather than a half-liter (D.Sear), but does indeed correspond to a tetartemorion or quarter litra (cf. Vecchi 3, September 13, 1996, no. 19). This type appears to be much rarer than the reference works suggest.Mr. Crawford reports that Bahrfelt recorded an average weight of 1.65g for 67 examples of this type in the 19th century. The theoretical weight of the litra is 3.375g, or approximately 1.69g for the half-litra, which corresponds to a quarter obole or tetartémorion in the Greek monetary system. Rome's head is reminiscent of the Romano-Campanian didrachm minted between -265 and -241 (RCV. 25). Rome's helmeted bust is also reminiscent of the "Asian" origins of the Romans, descendants of the Trojans immortalized by Virgil in the Aeneid in the first century. First fixed by H.A. Grueber between -312 and -290, this type is traditionally dated between -234 and -231. D. Sear prefers to give it a broader chronological range, between -235 and -230.
Roman coins, Laurent Schmitt, Michel Prieur.
Interesting fact
The Half Litra coin was used as a form of currency during the Roman Republic, and its design featured the image of a sheep on one side and the letters "ROMA" on the other. This design was meant to symbolize the importance of agriculture and trade in Roman society.
Price
| Date | Mintage | VG | F | VF | XF | AU | UNC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ND (235 BC - 230 BC) | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for Half litra (Anonymous; ROMA) (235 BC - 230 BC) coin.
