My Journey with the Small Bull from Thurium and Other Ancient Bovines

I’ve always been fascinated by ancient coins featuring bulls, and recently, a small Triobol from Thurium caught my eye, sparking a deep dive into these bovine beauties. As a collector, I find the symbolism and craftsmanship in such coins endlessly engaging, and I want to share my insights on what makes them special, along with some practical tips for fellow enthusiasts.

Unpacking the Thurium Triobol

Let’s start with that Thurium piece—an Ar Triobol from Southern Lucania, dated around 443–400 BC. I measured it at 11 mm with a weight of 1.174 grams, but I’ve noticed sellers often list it as 12.5 mm, which seems to be a common exaggeration in the market. This size discrepancy is something I’ve encountered repeatedly; my advice is to always verify measurements with calipers when buying, as it can affect grading and value. The coin itself has a lovely toned surface with traces of find patina, light roughness, and a flan flaw on the reverse. Obverse shows Athena in an Attic helmet with an olive wreath, while the reverse depicts a bull standing left with a fish in the exergue. References like HN Italy 1777 and SNG ANS 1116 confirm its authenticity. For grading, I pay close attention to patina—it adds character but can mask issues like roughness, so I recommend examining under good light to assess true condition.

Exploring Other Bull-Themed Coins

Beyond Thurium, I’ve admired several other bull coins that collectors might find intriguing. Here are a few highlights:

• Gela, Sicily: An AE Trias from 420–405 BC, weighing 3.55g and 17mm. It features a bull standing right with a mark of value below, and a river god on the reverse. Ex-collections like Jenkins and Roma Numismatics add provenance, making it a solid pick for Sicilian specialists.
• Carthage: A Sardinia mint AE from 216–215 BCE, just 3.3g, with Tanit on one side and a bull on the other. It’s often described as ‘sickly’ due to wear, but that patina tells a story—perfect for budget collectors who appreciate history over perfection.
• Syracuse Hieron II: AE coins from 275–269 BC, like the 22mm with Persephone and bull left, or the rarer 15mm with bull right. These are gems for rarity hunters; I’ve seen prices spike for well-preserved examples, so keep an eye on auction listings.
• Hydissos, Caria: An AR Hemiobol from 450 BCE, tiny at 0.3g and 6.7mm, showing confronting bull foreparts. SNG Aulock 6669 references it, and its scarcity makes it a thrill to hunt—just handle with care due to its fragility.
• Roman Denarius: L Thorius Balbus from 105 BC, about 3.896g, with Juno in a goat skin and a charging bull. Sear 192 or Craw 316-1 are key references. It’s a popular type; I’ve found that coins with dynamic designs like this often hold value well in the market.

Practical Collecting Tips and Observations

From my experiences, here are some key takeaways for building a bovine-themed collection. First, focus on condition: minor flaws like flan cracks or roughness can be charming but affect resale—aim for coins with clear details and stable patina. Market-wise, I’ve observed that smaller denominations, like the Thurium Triobol or Hydissos Hemiobol, are undervalued but rising in demand, so snap them up when you can. For grading, I always check for toning and patina authenticity; artificial enhancements are common, so buy from reputable dealers. And don’t overlook personal stories—like how I received one coin as a birthday gift years ago, which adds sentimental value and makes collecting more rewarding. Finally, share your finds! Whether it’s a ‘dilapidated’ bull or a pristine gem, each piece enriches our numismatic community.

In wrapping up, these bull coins are more than just metal—they’re windows into ancient cultures and symbols of strength. I’d love to hear about your own bovine beauties; drop a comment below with your favorites and any tips you’ve picked up along the way!