Tetradrachm - Agathokles 310 BC - 305 BC
| Silver | 17.24 g | 26 mm |
| Issuer | Syracuse (Sicily) |
|---|---|
| Tyrant | Agathocles (317 BC - 304 BC) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 310 BC - 305 BC |
| Value | Tetradrachm (20) |
| Currency | Litra |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 17.24 g |
| Diameter | 26 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#196278 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Nike standing right, wearing drapery that falls to waist, erecting trophy to right; AI monogram to lower left, triskeles to right, ΑΓΑΘΟΚΛΕΟΣ in exergue.
Script: Greek
Lettering: ΑΓΑΘΟΚΛΕΟΣ
Comment
SNG Delepierre 703 (this reverse die); BAR Issue 23; Warren 406.
After the usurpation of Agathokles (317 BC), Syracuse became the sole city minting coinage in Sicily. Agathokles is often depicted as a cruel tyrant, and achieved little of lasting historical importance. After his death, a period of anarchy followed, and a damnatio memoriae was decreed in his name. Nevertheless, his patronage of the arts left a legacy of beauty as embodied by a small number of surviving works of art, including some stunning coins. His reign marked a brisk transition from the conservative late-classicism to early-Hellenistic period, as reflected by the designs of these coins.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Tetradrachm coin from Syracuse (Sicily) is that it features a unique combination of both Greek and Sicilian elements in its design. The obverse side of the coin depicts the profile of the Greek goddess Athena, while the reverse side features a quadriga, or four-horse chariot, which was a common motif in ancient Sicilian art. This blending of cultural influences reflects the rich history and cultural exchange that occurred in the region during the Hellenistic period.
Price
| Date | Mintage | VG | F | VF | XF | AU | UNC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ND (310 BC - 305 BC) | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for Tetradrachm - Agathokles (310 BC - 305 BC) coin.
