Early 3rd century BCE
Æ 7.91g, 22mm, 6h
Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet; [ΣΩΤΕΙΡΑ] above /
Nike standing facing, head to left, holding wreath and sceptre; [EIΠ]ΩΝΙΕΩ-Ν upwards to right.
HN Italy 2258; SNG ANS 467; SNG Copenhagen 1835
Ex Mike Ballerini Collection
The ancient city of Hipponion resided where the modern day city of Vibo Valentia is. It was founded in the 7th century BCE and boasted a massive 7km of walls, a section of which – with eight towers – is still visible today.
In 388 BCE, Hipponion was taken by Dionysos I of Syracuse, who deported all of the population. Like the cats, they came back in 378 BCE with the help of Carthage.
Hipponion was renamed to Vibo Valentia when the Romans took over and established a colony there. Frederick I renamed it to Monteleone, but in 1925 the city reverted to Vibo Valentia.Today, it receives a number of tourists with its nice castle.