This little bronze coin was minted in Venusia, a town that Rome conquered in 291 BC and that soon turned it into a significant colony because of its strategic position. During the Second Punic War against Hannibal (218-201 BC), Venusia remained loyal to Rome. It was then that the town began to issue bronze coins to provide change for the silver denarii and victoriati spent by the Roman soldiers.
This coin dates from that time. Its obverse features the head of the god Hermes with a winged helmet, bearing a striking resemblance to the helmeted head of the goddess Roma on Roman denarii. The reverse depicts a winged sandal, another symbol of Hermes, the Greek god of travelers, traders, of thieves and liars.