Silver 5 Asses (Hippocamp and cerberus) (325 BC - 275 BC) front Silver 5 Asses (Hippocamp and cerberus) (325 BC - 275 BC) back
Silver 5 Asses (Hippocamp and cerberus) (325 BC - 275 BC) photo
© British Museum

Silver 5 Asses Hippocamp and cerberus 325 BC - 275 BC

 
Silver 5.36 g 18 mm
Description
Issuer
Luca (Etruria)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
325 BC - 275 BC
Value
5 Asses
Currency
As (circa 325-275 BC)
Composition
Silver
Weight
5.36 g
Diameter
18 mm
Shape
Round (irregular)
Technique
Hammered
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-09
References
Numista
N#179786
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Cerburus facing right.

Edge

Plain

Comment

These coins were originally attributed to Populonia, the Vetulonia, but have been re-attributed to Luca based on where the majority of the coins were found.

Interesting fact

The Hippocamp and Cerberus depicted on the coin are mythological creatures that have a rich history in ancient Greek and Roman mythology. The Hippocamp is a half-horse, half-fish creature that is often associated with the sea, while Cerberus is the three-headed dog that guards the entrance to the underworld. The fact that these creatures are featured together on this coin may suggest that the people of Luca (Etruria) placed great importance on the sea and the underworld in their culture and beliefs.