Croton was founded by Greek settlers about 720 BC in southern Italy. The colony soon became wealthy and powerful, and was moreover famous for the fitness of its inhabitants: Croton produced many generations of victors in the Olympics and other Pan-Hellenic Games.
Croton also issued wonderful coins. This stater was produced during the first half of the 5th century BC. Its obverse bears Croton's symbol, a tripod with lion's paws; such tripods were used as support for bronze cauldrons. On the reverse flies an eagle.