Issued after a series of military invasions, defeats, and sackings by Dionysios I of Syracuse and Lucanian forces in the 4th century BC this coin stands as proof of Croton’s short-lived revival. As a vital regional cultural center, Croton controlled the famous sanctuary of Hera Lacinia. Situated on the Lacinian promontory, 10-12 km away from the city center, this sanctuary dates back to the 8th century, before the Greek colonists arrived. After numerous building phases the complex became massively important, even serving as the Italiote League’s treasury. This means that while it was quite unusual for Herra to be depicted on Greek coinage, Croton recognized her as their divine protector.  In fact, this connection has long been recognized as demonstrated by Phyllis Lehman in her 1946 study of statuary on Greek coins. She states that the imagery was probably based on a statue at the local sanctuary.