Greek ETRURIA, Populonia. Circa 300-250 BC. AV 25 Asses (12mm, 1.42 g). Head of lion right; XXV (mark of value) to left and below / Blank. EC Series 21, 43 (O1) = Vecchi I 47.14 (this coin, illustrated/i); Vicari 21; Sambon 2; HN Italy 128; SNG ANS 2; SNG Copenhagen 36; SNG Lloyd 10; SNG Lockett 42; Dewing 72; Hunt IV 6; Jameson 17 (all from the same die). Hairlines on reverse. Choice EF. From the Henry A. Sauter Collection. Ex Hess-Leu (24 March 1959), lot 2./iLike the Romans, the Etruscans of northern and central Italy were latecomers to the Greek concept of coinage. The origins of the Etruscans are still regarded as enigmatic, and their language survives only in the form of relatively short inscriptions. When they did begin striking coins in the mid 4th century BC, many of the distinct and whimsical qualities of their culture came through. Only five Etruscan cities struck coins in any quantities, with Fufluna/i, called Populonia by the Romans, by far the most prolific. !--Gold--
