Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Auction 118 13-14 Sep 2021
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SICILY, Syracuse. Agathokles. 317-289 BC. AR Tetradrachm (23mm, 16.91 g, 4h). Struck circa 310-306/5 BC. Head of Kore right, wearing wreath of grain ears, single-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; [KOPAΣ to left] / Nike standing right, erecting trophy to right; monogram to lower left, triskeles to outer right, [AΓA]ΘOKΛEO[Σ] in exergue. Ierardi 103 (O21/R64); BAR Issue 23; HGC 2, 1536; Boston MFA 463 = Warren 406 (same dies). Lightly toned. In NGC encapsulation 4281288-015, graded AU, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 5/5, Fine Style. Wings approved.
From the Mercury Group Collection. Ex Ponterio 124 (17 January 2003), lot 363.
The Kore tetradrachms of Agathokles were struck following a major victory over Carthaginian forces outside the gates of Syracuse in 310 BC, which prompted him to name himself King of Sicily and adopt the style and trappings of a Hellenistic ruler. The reverse, depicting Nike erecting a trophy, proved highly influential and was widely copied by Greek kingdoms and Romans centuries hence; a near-contemporary issue of Seleukos I Nikator has a similar reverse design, though Nike is more demurely clothed. The Kore tetradrachms are found in two main varieties based on the engraving style, termed "Sicilian" and "African," although both were probably struck in Syracuse. This piece exemplifies the finest Sicilian style and is clearly the work of a master engraver.
From the Mercury Group Collection. Ex Ponterio 124 (17 January 2003), lot 363.
The Kore tetradrachms of Agathokles were struck following a major victory over Carthaginian forces outside the gates of Syracuse in 310 BC, which prompted him to name himself King of Sicily and adopt the style and trappings of a Hellenistic ruler. The reverse, depicting Nike erecting a trophy, proved highly influential and was widely copied by Greek kingdoms and Romans centuries hence; a near-contemporary issue of Seleukos I Nikator has a similar reverse design, though Nike is more demurely clothed. The Kore tetradrachms are found in two main varieties based on the engraving style, termed "Sicilian" and "African," although both were probably struck in Syracuse. This piece exemplifies the finest Sicilian style and is clearly the work of a master engraver.