Watch List notes:

SICILY, Syracuse. 214-212 BC. AR 8 litrai (6,61 g). Reverse die signed by the artist Lysid and struck under the Romans circa 212 BC. Head of Persephone to left, wreathed with grain; owl to right / ΣYPAKOΣIΩN, Nike driving fast quadriga to right; Magistrate name AI to right; faint artist signature AY on exergue line. Irregular flan and reverse struck a bit off-centre. Wonderful style and nicely toned with areas of blue iridescence. Very rare. Ex. Harlan J. Berk Ltd. Buy or Bid Sale 192, lot 43. October 9th, 2014.. . This extremely rare type was probably an emergency issue struck during the roman siege of Syracuse in 214-212 BC during the Second Punic War. The defense relied much upon Archimedes ingenious war-machines and the romans suffered considerable losses to the determined defenders of the city. This 8 litrai was likely the last signed type struck by Syracuse and shows the work of a uncommonly skilled die engraver. The beauty and artistry of Lysid's work evoke the masterpieces of engravers like Kimon, Euainetos and other artists who bought Syracuse to the golden age of die engraving two centuries earlier. The roman siege lasted for almost three years before the city finally fell in 212 BC. This brought an end to the legendary coin production at the Syracusian mint. Grade:01