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I recently came across a little coin that’s quickly become a favorite in my collection—a Triobol from ancient Thurium. I usually go for bigger coins, but this small wonder captured my heart with its charm and backstory. Let me tell you about this bull-themed gem and what I’ve learned from collecting similar pieces.
The Allure of the Thurium Triobol
My Thurium Triobol, from Southern Lucania around 443–400 BC, is a real beauty. It’s tiny—just 11 mm and 1.174 grams—which surprised me because sellers like CNG often list it at 12.5 mm. I’ve seen this happen a lot: sellers sometimes overstate the size by a millimeter or so. That’s why I always double-check with my calipers. The coin has a lovely tone with traces of find patina, but there’s a bit of roughness and a flan flaw on the back. On the front, Athena’s head in an Attic helmet with an olive wreath, and on the reverse, a bull standing with its head lowered and a fish below. After digging around, I found out this bull might be called a “wild bull” or even an auroch, which makes it even more fascinating. References like HN Italy 1777 and SNG ANS 1116 back it up, so it’s a genuine piece any ancient coin lover would appreciate.
Bull Coins Across the Ancient World
Hunting down other bull-themed coins has been one of the great joys of my collecting journey. Here are a few that caught my eye:
- Gela, Sicily: An AE Trias from 420–405 BC, 3.55g and 17mm. It shows a bull standing right with a mark of value below, and a river god head on the other side. Jenkins (Gela 506) lists it, and you can find it at auctions like Agora or Roma Numismatics.
- Carthage: A Sardinia mint AE from 216–215 BC, only 3.3g, with Tanit on one side and a bull on the other. It’s small but packed with history (CNP 377a).
- Syracuse, Sicily: Hieron II AE coins from 275–269 BC, including a rare 15mm type with Persephone and a bull facing right. The larger ones with butting bulls are striking and hard to find.
- Hydissos, Caria: An AR HemiObol from 450 BC, tiny at 0.3g and 6.7mm, with confronting bull foreparts. SNG Aulock 6669 notes its rarity—proof that big stories come in small packages.
- Rome: The L Thorius Balbus denarius from 105 BC, about 3.896g, featuring Juno in a goat skin and a charging bull on the back. Sear 192 and Craw 316-1 list it, and every time I see one, it feels like holding a piece of drama!
Each coin brings the bull to life in its own way—some might look a bit rough around the edges, but others are simply beautiful in their simplicity. They’re a reminder that the humblest coins can have the best stories.
Practical Collecting Tips and Market Observations
After collecting these bull coins, I’ve picked up a few tips for fellow enthusiasts. Always measure coins yourself—I can’t count how many times seller listings have exaggerated sizes by a millimeter or so, which can make a difference in grading and value. I always use my calipers and scale, and check catalogs like SNG or HGC. When examining a coin, pay attention to patina and toning; they can add character but might hide flaws like roughness or flan cracks, so check under good light. Bull coins from Syracuse or Thurium are getting more attention these days, and rarer ones (like that Hieron II AE 15mm) are fetching higher prices at auction. If you’re buying, try to get coins with provenance—like one I was gifted at a coin show years ago—because they often mean more to you and might be worth more too. And don’t forget, even the simplest designs can be captivating, so give the small or plain pieces a chance.
The Personal Side of Collecting
One of the best things about coin collecting is the personal stories behind each piece. I’ll always remember getting a Thurium-like coin as a birthday gift at a coin show—it turned a cool find into a treasured keepsake. That’s a reminder that rarity isn’t just about how many exist; it’s about the stories and feelings they carry. Take that Thorius Balbus denarius: every time I see one, it fires up my imagination, showing that coins aren’t just metal—they’re windows into history. When you’re after bull coins, love the quirks and flaws; they’re what make each one special to you.
Looking back, my journey with that little bull from Thurium has shown me the beauty in the details of ancient coins. Whether you collect for the metal, the history, or the thrill of the hunt, bull coins have a way of keeping you hooked. Happy collecting!
