Nomos 6

CAMPANIA, Nola. Circa 400-385 BC. Nomos (Silver, 7.24 g 12). Head of a nymph to right, her hair tied with a diadem adorned with a maeander pattern and wearing a triple pendant earring and a simple necklace. Rev. ΝΩΛΑΙΩΝ Man-headed bull walking to left, his head turned slightly to front; above, Nike flying left to crown him with a wreath. HN III 605. Jameson 58 (this coin). Rutter 50 (O21/R32). SNG France 1161 (same dies). Of lovely style and with a fine head of the nymph of Nola. Nicely toned but with a few minor marks from cleaning in the 19th century, otherwise, good very fine.

From the collections of T. Hardy, Triton VIII, 11 January 2005, 21, and R. Jameson, and ex Sambon & Canessa, 22 June 1906, 68.

Nola is one of the oldest cities in Campania, but it was always overshadowed by Neapolis. This coin is certainly based on Neapolitan issues, but it is particularly fine in style, far more attractive than many of its prototypes. The city is also well known because it gave its name to an Attic Red Figure amphora shape, the “Nolan Amphora” because a particularly fine example was found there.