Lot 2562
Central Italy(?). c. 4th-3rd century BC. AE Cockle Shell (75.1 g). Scarce. The bronze semi-domed, with the curved top grooved to simulate the shell's ribbing. Base flat. Width: 40 mm. Cf. Hendin, W17, there as a weight of 5 shekels (73.8 g). With brown-black patina and touches of red and green, and with earthen highlights. Choice Very Fine.
Estimated Value $650 - 700.
These objects have been found often in Italy, and other parts of Eastern Europe, along with finds in the Near East, and especially Palestine. Those from Italy have frequently been found in association with the Italic Aes Rude. That they may be a form of bullion or currency has been expanded on by G. Fallani in, Numismatics: A Witness to History, IANP 8, pl. 6, 2-2c. Those from the Near East are usually considered to be a type of weight, e.g., Hendin, W17 (of similar weight). The patina on the above example suggests a findspot in the Near East.
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