October 2025 - South Suburban Coin Club - The Influence of Pythagoras on Coinage

We had a really interesting talk by member John Francisco on the topic "The Influence of Pythagoras on Coinage". This topic may at first seem far-fetched, but there has long been a theory that Pythagoras (lived c. 500 BC) was the mind (and hand) behind the incuse coinage of Magna Graecia in ancient times.

We had (21) members in attendance for John's talk.  He has been collecting ancient coins since 1997.  The coins are of Sybaris and also the war with Crotone.  Pythagoras lived in Italy.  John's collection includes 8 of the 11 mints.  These coins are currently running around $5,000 each.

• 10% of coin collecting budget should be spent on books
• Greek Coins by C.M. Kraav & Max Hirmer
• La Monetazione Incusa Della Magna Grecia by Giovanni Gorini
• Measuring Heaven by Christiane L. Joost-Gaugier
• The Coinage of Abdera by J.M.F May
• Tripod of Crotone
• These coins are rare
• Terantum Coin - Dolphin Rider
• Dolphin sign of friendship for the Greeks

Sold for $1,140 Heritage Auctions (2017)