Located in modern day Campania, the oscan speaking Samnite city of Phistelia issued a comparatively few types of coinage between 405 BC and 350 BC. In fact, we only know of this small settlement as a result of these coins. It is probable that this city was seized by the Romans during one of the Samnite wars. The design of this obol belongs to one of the two main types, with the other depicting a forward facing young male head and the reverse an ear of barley grain and a mussel shell.

While little is known of this city, its coins with epigraphic elements do shed light on the local linguistic culture. In fact the now extinct Oscan, an italic language, was used in the region of Campania from at least the 5th century BCE until 1st century CE. Far out lasting the Samnite culture that initiated its use.

While the coiling serpent in this particular coin may appear to be a legend of some sort, the type is in fact anepigraphic. Regardless, displaying a high level of artistry and engraving skills, this is one of the nicest examples to come to market in a number of years.