Thursday, February 25, 2021

Shells and Knucklebones in Cast Bronze

Apulia, Luceria Biunx

TV284, 220 BC



Apulia, Luceria Biunx circa 217-212, Æ Aes Grave

Obv - Scallop-shell

Rev - Knucklebone; above, two pellets and below, L

Very Fine, Nice green patina, both obverse and reverse have excellent details, I have not seen a shell this well formed. The two dots are weak. The L is often missing, but is well formed on this coin. With grade inflation, I do not see why this coin isn’t at least gVF.

·       According to M Crawford and I Vecchi, cast coins were produced from 280 to 210 BC. The Shell / Knucklebone coins are from two date ranges. The older series is dated 269 – 225 BC and weighs 47 – 80 grams. The newer series is dated 220 BC and weighs 15 – 24 grams. This coin is on the smaller side on the second series.

15.52 grams

25.6 mm

Haeberlin pl. 71.

Sydenham AG 141.

Thurlow-Vecchi 284.

ICC 348.

Historia Numorum Italy 677d.


I have a few of this style coin. It is fairly common and inexpensive. 

the seller's pic



examples from two date ranges and sizes

Knucklebone coins and Knucklebones

Shells and Coins with Shells







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