ETRURIA. Populonia. Circa 300-250 BC. 10 Asses (Silver, 18 mm, 4.22 g). Laureate and slightly bearded head of Aplu to left; to right, X (mark of value). Rev. Blank. EC Group XVI, Series 70.136 (this coin, O1). HGC 1, 120. HN Italy 168. SNG ANS 26 (same dies). SNG Paris 44 (same obverse die). Well centered and with a fine juvenile head of Aplu. The usual minor die wear and with a few faint scratches on the reverse, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.




The Etruscan god Aplu - whose name already reveals his connection to the Greek Apollo - was especially associated with oracles and prophecy, but also with plagues and healing, as well as music and the arts. The most iconic Etruscan depiction of Aplu is the Apollo of Veii, a renowned terracotta masterpiece often attributed to Vulca, the only Etruscan artist known to us by name. According to Pliny the Elder, Vulca created the terracotta sculptures for the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus in Rome in the 6th century BC.