John060167 Posted June 8, 2022 · Member Share Posted June 8, 2022 Hey all, hope you’re well! Have only been picking up Romans since the start of 2022, so my Greek collection has been lacking behind… so decided to pick up a cool Greek coin! Here it is: Sicily, Syracuse AR tetradrachm, 23mm, 16.7g. struck 478-475BC, under Hieron I Boehringer 168 Obverse: Charioteer holding reins and kentron driving a slow quadriga right. Nike above, flying right, crowning horses. Reverse: ΣVRAKOΣΙΟΝ, diademed head of Arethusa, wearing beaded necklace and earrings, hair slighly waved turned up above diadem. Four dolphins swimming around counterclockwise. notes: VF. good surfaces and subtle toning. Flan crack on reverse. What I find funny on this coin is that the “heads” side is actually tails and the “tails” side is actually heads, that is the obverse is the side with the quadriga and the reverse is the side with Arethusa. I thought this could make for some funny situations, so what I did was I made a bet with my friend for $10 on a round of “heads or tails” with this coin. My friend picked “heads” and the coin was flipped, and when it landed on the Arethusa side up, he said “I win!” then I said “not so fast cowboy…”😁 It was pretty satisfying as I watched the smile drain from his face as I explained why I won. Anyway! Please post any coins you have from Sicily, ideally ancient but anything can do! Lets see how many coins we can get up here! Cheers! 24 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alegandron Posted June 8, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted June 8, 2022 Wonderful Tet @John060167! Great capture. Agreed, Sicily has some very cool Ancient coins and History... SICULO-PUNICSicily Akragas Punic occup 213-210 BC AR Half Shekel 19 mm 2.9g Male head r Triptolemos wreath grain -Horse leaping r Punic Ḥ SNG COP 378 14 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alegandron Posted June 8, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted June 8, 2022 Here is my fat-boy from Syracuse... GelonSyracuseGelon 485-478 BCEAR Tet24mm 16.7gSlow Biga VictoryArethusa 4 dolphinsSear-Greek S 914Ex Charles Reeve 19 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AncientJoe Posted June 8, 2022 · Member Share Posted June 8, 2022 Syracuse used coinage as a means of showing their strength, producing some of the most influential and beautiful coins in history. Here's just a pair from Syracuse to avoid over-loading the thread: Kimon dekadrachm (unsigned, but I significantly prefer this style over the signed Kimon dies): SICILY, Syracuse. Dionysios I, 405-367 BC. Dekadrachm (Silver, 37mm, 43.51 g 7), unsigned but by Kimon, c. 404-400. Quadriga galloping to left, driven by a female charioteer who leans forward, with a kentron in her right hand and the reins in her left; above left, Nike flying right to crown the driver; in exergue below, panoply of arms on pedestal inscribed with ΑΘΛΑ. Rev. ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΩ Head of Arethusa to left, her hair bound in an ampyx with a net behind, and wearing a pendant earring and a pearl necklace; around her head, four dolphins: two swimming towards each other before, one swimming downwards behind, and one nestling under the neck truncation. Gulbenkian 309. Jongkees 12. Rizzo pl. LVI, 6. A tetradrachm with an impressively engraved horse (see the veins on the horse's stomach): 22 6 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewStyleKing Posted June 8, 2022 · Member Share Posted June 8, 2022 I wish they were bigger. I was disappointed when my old style Athenian tet was only 24 mm. The NewStyle is often 29 mm at the smallest going upto 35mm. But the artistry is much much better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TuckHard Posted June 8, 2022 · Member Share Posted June 8, 2022 This is my only Sicily coin, from Katane. Sicily, KataneAE Chalkous | 4.42 grams | 18mm wideObv: Busts of Serapis and IsisRev: KATANAION, Apollo standing left with column to the right, holding a branch and bow 12 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seth77 Posted June 8, 2022 · Member Share Posted June 8, 2022 This is Tancred and Roger III d'Altavilla copper follaro minted at Messina ca. 1193, the last kings of Sicily from the Norman linage of Hauteville (Altavilla): 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CPK Posted June 8, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted June 8, 2022 @John060167 Lovely coin and funny story! 😄 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happy_collector Posted June 8, 2022 · Member Share Posted June 8, 2022 (edited) Nice pickup, @John060167. I also like Syracuse coins with good designs and artistry. Silver tetradrachm is very expensive to me though. Still on a lookout for decent bronze examples. Here are two in my collection: SICILY. Syracuse. Agathocles (317-289 BC). AR tetradrachm (25mm, 17.03 gm, 10h). Pre-royal coinage, ca. 310-305 BC, Fi-, magistrate. Obv: Head of Persephone left, hair wreathed with grain ears, wearing triple-pendant earring and necklace; three dolphins swimming around, ΦI below neck truncation, dotted border Rev: ΣYPAKOΣIΩN, charioteer driving fast quadriga left, reins in left hand, kentron in right; triskeles above, AN monogram in exergue, dotted border. HGC 2, 1348. SNG ANS 643. SICILY.SYRACUSE. Hiketas II 287-278 BC.AE.( 7.26g, 24mm, 9h ) Obv: Head of Kore left, grain ear behind. Rev: Charioteer in biga right, star above. Ref: SNG Cop.802, SNG ANS 760. Edited June 8, 2022 by happy_collector 19 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alegandron Posted June 8, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted June 8, 2022 Sicily Kalakte AE unit 2nd C BCE Head Athena in Helmet - Owl rev Hard to find 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor robinjojo Posted June 8, 2022 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted June 8, 2022 Nice coins! The decadrachm and Second Democracy tetradrachm are show stoppers! Here are a couple of bronzes. Syracuse, AE 29 Litra, 344-336 BC. Syracuse, AE Litra circa 390 BC SNG ANS 435 7.12 grams 13 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Qcumbor Posted June 8, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted June 8, 2022 You guys kill me with all those wonders ! Syracuse Agathokles 317-289 BC SYPAKOSYWN. Head of Kore left Bull butting left, two dolphins and linked VA in field 6.0 gr, 20 mm Ref : Sear #1195 var Syracuse Hiketas 288-279 BC Head of Zeus hellanios right ΣΙΡΑΚ ΟΣΙΩΝ. Eagle left, wings open, star and A in field 8.95 gr, 23 mm Ref : Sear # 1212 Q 13 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alegandron Posted June 8, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted June 8, 2022 Sicily Syracuse 317-289 BC AE 23 Hemilitron Agathokles Kore Bull Dolphin Left 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alegandron Posted June 8, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted June 8, 2022 Sicily Messana - The Mamertines / Mamertini / Mamertinoi - Samnites & Campanians as Mercenaries. AE Pentonkion 264-241 BCE 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kapphnwn Posted June 8, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted June 8, 2022 Leontine Ar Tetradrachm 455-440 BC Obv Head of Apollo left laureate. Rv Head of roaring lion left surrounded by three barley grains and one laurel leaf HGC 670 17.03 grms 24 mm Photo by W. HansenThe coinages coming out from the Greek colonies in the west show a spirit of innovation generally lacing in the coinages from Greece proper. Already with this coin we can see evidence of the transformation from the archaic to the later classical. Though there are some elements of the archaic still evident such as the smile on the lips of Apollo and the stylized treatment of the hair one can see that the treatment of the eye, and the more natural dimensions of the head as evidence of the move to a more natural treatment of the subject. Also the spread flan allows for a larger canvass for the die cutter to exercise his skill. 12 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al Kowsky Posted June 8, 2022 · Member Share Posted June 8, 2022 7 1 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CPK Posted June 8, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted June 8, 2022 @AncientJoe Stunning!!! 🤩 Here are my lowly offerings: 😉 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor robinjojo Posted June 8, 2022 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted June 8, 2022 24 minutes ago, kapphnwn said: Leontine Ar Tetradrachm 455-440 BC Obv Head of Apollo left laureate. Rv Head of roaring lion left surrounded by three barley grains and one laurel leaf HGC 670 17.03 grms 24 mm Photo by W. HansenThe coinages coming out from the Greek colonies in the west show a spirit of innovation generally lacing in the coinages from Greece proper. Already with this coin we can see evidence of the transformation from the archaic to the later classical. Though there are some elements of the archaic still evident such as the smile on the lips of Apollo and the stylized treatment of the hair one can see that the treatment of the eye, and the more natural dimensions of the head as evidence of the move to a more natural treatment of the subject. Also the spread flan allows for a larger canvass for the die cutter to exercise his skill. Absolutely beautiful! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor Steve Posted June 8, 2022 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted June 8, 2022 (edited) 🙃 Holy Crap!! ... you guys are fricken awesome!! Man, I love coins from Sicily (probably my favourite ... ummm, along with Thessaly as well ... ummm, and Alexandria ... and ... and ) ... anyway ... => here are a bunch of my ol' Sicily coins!! (I hope you guys are all enjoying owning them and/or seeing them?) SICILY, Messana. AR Drachm - 60 Onkia - (below) 445-439 BC Diameter: 18 mm Weight: 3.59 grams Obverse: Charioteer driving biga of mules right; above, Nike flying right, crowning horses; olive leaf and berry in exergue Reverse: Hare springing right within wreath, ΜΕΣΣΑ-ΝION Reference: Caltabiano Series IX, 388 (D175/R168); HGC 2, 807; SNG Lloyd 1111; SNG Lockett 820; Boston MFA 288; Jameson 651; Pozzi 487; Rizzo pl. 27, 11 (all from the same dies) Other: 10h … toned, rough surface, scratches, scuffs. Very Rare (R2) Ex-stevex6 … from the Continental Collection SICILY, Selinos Cast Æ 1 Onkia (below) Circa 450-440 BC Diameter: 15 mm Weight: 4.14 grams Obverse: Kantharos; pellet (mark of value) above Reverse: Selinon leaf Reference: Price, Selinus, Group IIIC; CNS 10; Puglisi 282; HGC 2, 1237 Other: 12h … dark green patina Ex-stevex6 SICILY, Syracuse. Hiketas II. Æ24 (below) 287-278 BC Diameter: 23.5 mm Weight: 11.52 grams Obverse: Wreathed head of Kore left; grain ear to right Reverse: Nike driving biga right; star above Reference: BAR Issue 38; CNS 123; HGC 2, 1446 Other: 12h … brown surfaces Ex-stevex6 Sicily, Syracuse. Hieron I AR Tetradrachm (below) (240 Onkia) 478-466 BC Struck circa 478-475 BC Diameter: 24 mm Weight: 16.90 grams Obverse: Charioteer driving quadriga right; above, Nike flying right, crowning horses Reverse: Diademed head of Arethusa right; four dolphins around Reference: Boehringer series IXa, 190 (V86/R130); SNG ANS –; Randazzo 356 (same dies) Other: 2h, toned, test cut on reverse Ex-stevex6 ... from the Robert and Julius Diez Collection, Ex Gustav Philipsen Collection (Part I, J. Hirsch XV, 28 May 1906), lot 1132 SICILY SYRACUSE HIERON II AE 21 (below) C. 275-216 BC Diameter: 21 mm Weight: 9.02 grams Obverse: Diad head of Poseidon left Reverse: Trident flanked by dolphins Reference: SNG Ans 965 Other: Good metal and surfaces Ex-stevex6 Sicily, Syracuse: Agathokles Æ24 (below) 317-289 BC Diameter: 23.9mm Weight: 9.26gm Obverse: Diademed head of the young Herakles left, ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΩΝ before Reverse: The Nemean lion striding right, club above, ΣΩ in exergue Reference: Calciati II, p290, 150, R1 7; c.f. SNG ANS 733ff Other: superior portrait with sculpted features usually represented by simpler forms Ex-stevex6 Sicily, Syracuse: AR litra – Arethusa/Octopus (below) (12 onkia) 466-460 BC Diameter: 13.1 mm Weight: 0.67 grams Obverse: Pearl-diademed head of Arethusa right; ΣVPA before Reverse: Octopus. Reference: SNG Copenhagen 641; SNG ANS 137ff Ex-stevex6 Sicily, Syracuse Æ Hemidrachm (below) Timoleon and the Third Democracy (30 Onkia) 344-317 BC Timoleontic Symmachy coinage. 1st series, circa 344-339/8 BC Diameter: 24 mm Weight: 16.94 grams Obverse: Laureate head of Zeus Eleutherios right Reverse: Upright thunderbolt; to right, eagle standing right Reference: Castrizio series I, 1γ; CNS 72; SNG ANS 477-88 Other: 9h, red-brown patina, a few areas of roughness, some cleaning marks Ex-stevex6 ... from the Robert and Julius Diez Collection, Ex Gustav Philipsen Collection (Part I, J. Hirsch XV, 28 May 1906), lot 1227 ... they're fuckin' awesome, right?!! Hi Edited June 9, 2022 by Steve 5 1 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spaniard Posted June 8, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted June 8, 2022 My humble bronze.... Sicily, Syracuse. Hieron II. 274-216 BC. Æ-Litra (19mm, 6.38g). Obverse..Diademed head of Poseidon left with border of dots. Reverse..ΙΕΡΩΝΟΣ, Ornate scroll decorated trident with lotiform shaft flanked by dolphins. Ref:for type SNG Cop 844-856. 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Di Nomos Posted June 9, 2022 · Member Share Posted June 9, 2022 Love the artistry of Sicilian coins, great examples shown. My coin isn't so much artistic, or in great condition,but is important in the development of coins in Sicily, as one of the first tetradrachms minted on the island, and one of the first to use the famous quadriga obverse, which became very popular. The small head of Arethusa on the reverse was also a departure from the plain incuse square common at the time in the Greek world Syracuse tetradrachm. c. 500 - 490 BC. 8 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Etcherdude Posted June 9, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted June 9, 2022 1 minute ago, Di Nomos said: Love the artistry of Sicilian coins, great examples shown. My coin isn't so much artistic, or in great condition,but is important in the development of coins in Sicily, as one of the first tetradrachms minted on the island, and one of the first to use the famous quadriga obverse, which became very popular. The small head of Arethusa on the reverse was also a departure from the plain incuse square common at the time in the Greek world Syracuse tetradrachm. c. 500 - 490 BC. That coins is a beauty. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ryro Posted June 9, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted June 9, 2022 (edited) Cheese and rice this is just an embarrassment of riches🥰 Wonderful post! Thank you. I have yet to buy into any other ancient coinage being as consistently as beautiful as Sicily was from the beginning of coinage until the Romans took over. Here's a few from this artistically pedestrian 😘island before that happened: Edited June 9, 2022 by Ryro 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Akropolis Posted June 9, 2022 · Member Share Posted June 9, 2022 SICILY, Gela. Circa 480/75-475/70 BC. AR Tetradrachm (17.05 gm, 6h, 25mm). Obv: Charioteer driving walking quadriga r.; above, Nike flying right, crowning horses. Rev: Forepart of man-headed bull r. within circular incuse. Jenkins, Gela 139 (O39/R84); Weber 1317. Ex Edward Gans.. 9 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alegandron Posted June 9, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted June 9, 2022 AR LITRA SICILYCarthage - Sicily AR Litra 4th C BCE 9.5mm 0.65g Palm Tree Horse Head SNG Cop 74 Ex: EE Clain-Safanelli R 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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