Monday, January 3, 2022

Semuncia Crescent Thyrsus

 I like these coins because they show the light and heavy weight series. I picked up one several years ago. I had to google Thyrse or Thyrsus or Thrysos: thyrsus: [noun] a staff surmounted by a pinecone or by a bunch of vine or ivy leaves with grapes or berries that is carried by Bacchus and by satyrs and others engaging in bacchic rites. merriam-webster

Aes Grave semuncia, APULIA, LUCERIA, AE 268-250 BC; note that this series is based on 10 VNCIA per Roman As (10 ounces per pound). There are two series. The heavier series is assumed older. Obv: Crescent; Rev: Thyrse adorned with a garland.


Apulia, Luceria, AE Aes Grave Semuncia, 268-250 BC D/ Crescent. R/ Thyrse adorned with a garland. H.pl. 71, 7-8; Syd., Aes Grave, 143 var.; T.V. 279; Vecchi 343. 19.20 grams (384 grams equivalent Libra) Green patina. Grading/Status: Fine - Very Fine; Elsen - Auction 147, Lot 270 



Greek Italy. Northern Apulia, Luceria. AE Cast Semuncia, heavy series, 225-217 BC. Obv. Crescent. Rev. Thyrsus. HN Italy 675; Vecchi ICC 343. AE. 20.22 grams (404 grams equivalent Libra); 24.00 mm. R. Rare. About VF. Artemide Kunstauktionen e18; lot 22; 5/22/2021


Greek Italy. Northern Apulia, Luceria. Light series. AE Cast Semuncia, c. 217-212 BC. Crescent. / Thyrsus with fillets; in field, L. Vecchi ICC 350; HN Italy 677f. AE. 6.04 g. 19.00 mm. Lovely untouched earthen green patina. Good VF. Artemide LIV; lot 38; 11/7/2020


Italy. Northern Apulia, Luceria. AE Semuncia, 217-212 BC. Obv. Crescent. Rev. Thyrsus with fillets; in field, L. HN Italy 677f. TV 286. ICC 350. AE. g. 6.68 mm. 20.00 VF. Artemide 32e; lot 15; 1/23/2016