Campania. Cales. AE 20 (6.34g), 265-240 BC. Laffaille 1 = MAST 2.4 = Strauss 9 (this coin). Magnificent emerald patina. Well centered and struck on a broad flan. Undoubtedly the finest known! Choice extremely fine. Acquired privately from Tradart, Brussels; Munzen und Medaillen 1991 (76) lot 9; Maurice Laffaille (1902-1989) collection.

"It was not the gods, but the birds, who were formerly the masters and kings over men! I have a thousand proofs of this. First of all, I will point you to the cock, who governed the Persians before all other monarchs, even Darius and Megabazus! For this reason also, still today, he alone of all the birds wears his tiara straight on his head, like the Great King. He was so strong, so great, so feared, that even now, on account of his ancient power, everyone jumps out of bed as soon as ever he crows at daybreak. Blacksmiths, potters, tanners, shoemakers, lyre-makers, armorers... all put on their shoes and go to work before it is daylight" (Aristophanes, Birds, 485).