Silver 5 Asses Male head series II: facing right; trident 301 BC - 206 BC
| Silver | 1.81 g | 13 mm |
| Issuer | Populonia (Etruria) |
|---|---|
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 301 BC - 206 BC |
| Value | 5 Asses |
| Currency | As (circa 475-201 BC) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 1.81 g |
| Diameter | 13 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#179421 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Trident with crescent below and surrounded by legend.
Lettering: PVLPVNA
Translation: Populonia
Edge
Plain
Comment
The reverse was struck with the same dies as an AR 20 As piece from the second Gorgoneion series. This coin could have been struck around the same time as the other, or the die could have just been re-used.There has been much controversy on dating Populonian coins, and as such, the date ranges my vary per source.
The second Male head series was struck using Populonia's fourth silver standard, which is equal to the third silver standard except with the weights of all denomination being halved.
Interesting fact
The Silver 5 Asses coin from Populonia (Etruria) features a male head facing right, which is believed to represent the Etruscan god of the underworld, Aita. This deity was considered the ruler of the dead and the guardian of the entrance to the underworld, and his depiction on the coin may have been meant to symbolize the coin's value and the power of the Etruscan state.
