Roma Numismatics Ltd
E-Sale 60 1 Aug 2019
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Sicily, Akragas Æ Onkia. Tyranny of Phintias, circa 287-279 BC. Laureate head of Apollo left / Eagle standing right with head turned back. CNS I, 119; SNG Copenhagen 98; SNG ANS 1125. 2.62g, 17mm, 10h.
Extremely Fine. Rare.
Ex Bertolami Fine Arts - ACR Auctions, Auction 8, 4 February 2014, lot 72.
Phintias was appears to have established himself as tyrant of Akragas during the turmoil which followed the death of Agathokles in 289 BC, about the same time that Hiketas obtained the chief command at Syracuse. Though Hiketas defeated Phintias in battle near Hybla, following the former's own defeat at the hands of the Carthaginians Phintias was subsequently able to extend his authority over a considerable part of Sicily.
Phintias made a display of his wealth and power by founding a new city, to which he gave his own name (Phintias, modern-day Licata), and to which he removed all the inhabitants from Gela, which he razed to the ground. His government was oppressive, and caused the revolt of many of the dependent cities but he later adopted a milder rule, thus retaining possession of Akragas until his death. We learn from the coins of Phintias that he assumed the title of Basileos (king), in imitation of Agathokles.
Extremely Fine. Rare.
Ex Bertolami Fine Arts - ACR Auctions, Auction 8, 4 February 2014, lot 72.
Phintias was appears to have established himself as tyrant of Akragas during the turmoil which followed the death of Agathokles in 289 BC, about the same time that Hiketas obtained the chief command at Syracuse. Though Hiketas defeated Phintias in battle near Hybla, following the former's own defeat at the hands of the Carthaginians Phintias was subsequently able to extend his authority over a considerable part of Sicily.
Phintias made a display of his wealth and power by founding a new city, to which he gave his own name (Phintias, modern-day Licata), and to which he removed all the inhabitants from Gela, which he razed to the ground. His government was oppressive, and caused the revolt of many of the dependent cities but he later adopted a milder rule, thus retaining possession of Akragas until his death. We learn from the coins of Phintias that he assumed the title of Basileos (king), in imitation of Agathokles.