Second Punic War – Bruttium, the Brettii (ca. 211-208 BC) Bronze Didrachm – Ares/Athena – NGC Ch VF

Description Greek. Magna Graecia. Southern Italy. Hellenistic Period. Bruttium, the Brettii AE (Bronze) double unit or didrachm. Second Punic War issue; struck ca. 211-208 BC. Graded Choice VF by NGC. The Brettii were fiercely independent and were neither loyal to Rome or Carthage in the war, but were forced to submit back to Rome following Hannibal's defeat. The militaristic nature of this coin reflected the chaotic times in Italy in which context the piece was struck.   Design: Head of Ares left, wearing crested Corinthian helmet / Athena advancing right, holding shield and spear; bucranium and monogram in lower right field Reference: HN Italy 1987. HGC 1, 1362. Dimensions: 25 mm / ~15 gm Condition: NGC Choice VF, flan flaw. A pensive, elegant portrait of Ares - a fitting motif during one of the most important wars in Italian history. Lovely dark patina.