Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction XI 7 April 2016
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Sicily, Syracuse AV Stater. Agathokles, circa 306-289 BC. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet decorated with griffin, single-pendant earring and necklace / AΓAΘOKΛEOΣ BAΣIΛEOΣ, winged thunderbolt, monogram below. BMC 416; SNG Copenhagen -. 5.70g, 17mm, 7h.
Good Extremely Fine. Some minor scratches. Rare symbol.
This piece is from a short-lived issue known from six obverse and seven reverse dies with numerous interlinkings, which suggest a specific occasion for its striking. Three alternatives proposed are the assumption of the royal title by Agathokles in 304 BC, the marriage of his daughter to Pyrrhos of Epeiros in 297, or renewed preparations for war against Carthage - the last of which seems the most plausible; indeed we see here a type familiar to Greek mercenaries that at once recalls the gold staters of Alexander the Great, and the silver staters of Alexander of Epeiros.
Good Extremely Fine. Some minor scratches. Rare symbol.
This piece is from a short-lived issue known from six obverse and seven reverse dies with numerous interlinkings, which suggest a specific occasion for its striking. Three alternatives proposed are the assumption of the royal title by Agathokles in 304 BC, the marriage of his daughter to Pyrrhos of Epeiros in 297, or renewed preparations for war against Carthage - the last of which seems the most plausible; indeed we see here a type familiar to Greek mercenaries that at once recalls the gold staters of Alexander the Great, and the silver staters of Alexander of Epeiros.