We have quite enjoyed learning about ancient coins through the eyes of Harlan J. Berk, the author of Whitman Publishing’s 100 Greatest Ancient Coins series. This third edition presents the earliest coins first despite their rank among the top 100, allowing us to experience this series uniquely differently from the other 100 Greatest series we follow. This next entry lands softly in the mid 20’s, presenting itself as a recognizable piece of coinage only due to its subject matter. The figure in which the coin, and city, depicts is famous in the Greek mythology world, something we learn about flippantly through our years. Today we get to learn a little more.
#26 – Poseidonia Stater – (Magna Craecia – Circa 530-500 BC)
Beginning as a Greek colony that was established in the southern party of Italy near Sybaris, which was famous for its wealth and luxury, Poseidonia was named for its chief deity, Poseidon, and grew prosperous very quickly. Poseidon was known as the sea god, and his was the image used on the coins, replicating the cult statue of the god that was in the city’s chief temple.
The stater is a part of a group of early strikes from the Greek cities of Croton, Sybaris, Metapontum, Poseidonia, Tarentum, Laus, Siris, and Pyxus---all of which were in southern Italy. They are recognizable by their thin, broad flans and the technique of repeating the obverse in incuse on the reverse. This is unique in that a lot of other cities produced coins with an incuse reverse that was different from the relief on the obverse.
Coins that came from Poseidonia were known for their artistry. Poseidon is standing on the obverse of this coin, wielding his trident and advancing to the right. The city’s initials are to the left of him (or behind), with a decorative and detailed border. The reverse features the same depiction but incuse instead of relief. Poseidon himself is portrayed in Archaic style, which emotes fine detail and accurate proportions.