Ira and Larry Goldberg Auctioneers
Auction 96 14-15 February 2017
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Sicily, Syracuse. Agathokles. Silver Tetradrachm (17.16 g), 317-289 BC. Ca. 317-310 BC. Wreathed head of Arethusa left, surrounded by three dolphins; below neck, NK. Reverse: ΣYPAKOΣIΩ[N] in exergue, charioteer, holding goad and reins, driving galloping quadriga left; above, triskeles; in exergue, monogram. Ierardi 42b (O8/R23; this coin); SNG ANS 633. Perfectly centered, well struck with lovely uniform slightly iridescent toning. Superb Extremely Fine. Estimate Value $3,000 - 3,500
From the Herbert & Aphrodite Rubin Collection; Ex Coin Galleries (16 November 1983), 169; Edward George Spencer-Churchill Collection (Ars Classica XIV, 2 July 1929), 139; Ars Classica XII (18 October 1926), 987.
The Nike and trophy reverse of this coin advertises Agathokles as the victorious king of Greek Sicily. It gives no hint that his military adventures against the Carthaginians frequently ended in disaster, such as the battle of the Himera which resulted in the siege of Syracuse or his audacious Libyan campaign, which he ultimately abandoned along with his army!
From the Herbert & Aphrodite Rubin Collection; Ex Coin Galleries (16 November 1983), 169; Edward George Spencer-Churchill Collection (Ars Classica XIV, 2 July 1929), 139; Ars Classica XII (18 October 1926), 987.
The Nike and trophy reverse of this coin advertises Agathokles as the victorious king of Greek Sicily. It gives no hint that his military adventures against the Carthaginians frequently ended in disaster, such as the battle of the Himera which resulted in the siege of Syracuse or his audacious Libyan campaign, which he ultimately abandoned along with his army!