CAMPANIA. Nuceria Alfaterna. Circa 250-225 BC. Didrachm or Nomos (Silver, 20 mm, 7.26 g, 10 h). 'nuvkrinum alafaternum' (in Oscan) Head of Karneios to left, wearing horn of Ammon over his ear; behind, facing statue of Artemis holding torches. Rev. Dioskouros standing front, head to left, holding the bridle of a horse prancing to left with his right hand and a thyrsos in his left. Basel 51 (this coin). HN Italy 608. Sambon -, cf. 1008-1012 (differing symbols). A very rare variety. Clear and attractive, and of fine style. The obverse struck very slightly off center, otherwise, about extremely fine.


The beautiful head on the obverse of the didrachms from Nuceria Alfaterna is usually identified as Karneios, but it is clearly also heavily influenced by the head of the deified Alexander 'the Great' on the tetradrachms of Lysimachos (see below, lots 107-109).