54, Lot: 4. Estimate $5000. Sold for $3000. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

LUCANIA, Herakleia. Circa 330 BC. AR Nomos (7.85 gm). Helmeted head of Athena right, Skylla on helmet / [HRAKLHIW]-N, Herakles grappling with Nemean Lion; club left, fluted jug between legs; [APOL] to left of club. Van Keuren 51 (same obverse die); SNG ANS 66 var.; cf. Work 45-47 (same obverse die). Toned EF, exceptional strike and wonderful style. Rare this nice! ($5000)The city of Herakleia was jointly founded by citizens of Thourioi and Taras at the conclusion of a war in 433/2 BC on a site not far from that of the earlier Siris. This lovely didrachm-stater, or nomos, features the eponymous hero Herakles on reverse, whilst the obverse depiction of Athena is strongly reminiscent of the coinage of Thurioi.