OF p Æ S <T U M.

39

It is remai kable that all the Coins inscribed n Al 2 t are os brass; and though, indeference to the Opinions of some learned Antiquarians who have considered this Subject,we have supposed that some of these were struck by the Pæstans , when subject to theLuc.anians ; yet we cannot help doubting whether they may not all be referred to theRoman Times, after the Defeat of Pyrrhus and the several States, Barbarian as well asGreeks that assisted him. For whilst Pœjlum was subject to the Lucanians , we lee noReason why it might not have continued to have coined Silver Money: But aster theDefeat of Pyrrhus, and the immense Treasures which the Romans then acquired, amongother Marks of Conquest and Superiority, this, of appropriating the Coinage of Silverto themselves, may be reckoned; whilst the Cities of Magna Græcia were suffered tocoin Brass only; that Metal with which the Romans had contented themselves from theTime of Servius Tullius to this Period (1).

To conclude; the Engraver takes this Opportunity to acknowledge the Obligationhe owes to the Gentlemen who have assisted him in this Undertaking, and at the fameTime regrets the Injunction he is under of not publishing their Names: However, hehopes this Silence will be taken as a Mark of his Compliance with their Request, anda Testimony of his Gratitude for their Kind Assistance.

(i) Turn primum Populus Romanus Argento uti cæpit. i. e. A. U. C. 484. Epit. Liv. XV.

u

7 'a/XXlX.

4 S

islajarJcuLn

'.''‘lli'il'jii

Æ . 51

Æ. . 54

®.55

liiiniP 1

8imv

M

= 6

III

. 0*1

\M