Coin

Obverse – Head of Apollo, laureate, left Reverse – Man-headed bull, walking right, crowned by Victory (Nike), flying right above. The poor condition of this coin prevents a firm identification with a single known type. If there was an inscription on the obverse originally, it is no longer legible. The obverse portrait is youthful and effeminate. It’s similar in appearance to depictions of nymphs and female deities on coins as well as Apollo as a youth with long hair. Since the top leaves of a laurel crown are still visible, we are secure in the identification of the obverse with Apollo. The condition of the reverse is worse. However, the general mass of a large animal is still discernible, and it closely resembles depictions of a bull. Apollo / man-headed bull are a common coin type minted in Neapolis. Unfortunately, the head of the bull is not preserved. However, it’s worth noting that even on well-preserved examples the human-face of the bull is often worn down because the face is represented frontally. Above the back of the bull, preserved near the left edge of the coin is Victory, who is flying horizontally to crown the bull. Only the end of her garment is visible. Any other identifying marks that may have existed wither behind Apollo’s head or in the exergue are no longer visible. Comparanda: cf. NH Italy 590, 595; SNG ANS, 472; SNG ANS 488; SNG Cop 506 Technique: Struck

18 mm, (h)

3.13

Rutter, N. K., editor. Historia Numorum: Italy. British Museum Press, 2001; Sylloge Nummorum Graecorum, USA, The Collection of the American Numismatic Society; Sylloge Nummorum Graecorum Copenhagen, The Royal Collection of Coins and Medals, Danish National Museum.