Roma Numismatics Ltd
E-Sale 93 6 Jan 2022
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Sicily, Akragas Æ Onkia. Tyranny of Phintias, circa 287-279 BC. Laureate head of Apollo to left; [ΑΚΡΑ]ΓΑΝΤΙ / Eagle standing to right, head reverted; ΦΙ above. CNS I, 119; SNG Copenhagen 98; SNG ANS 1125; HGC 2, 168. 2.59g, 13mm, 8h.
Near Very Fine; heavily smoothed. Rare.
From the Vitangelo Collection.
Phintias 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 (Phintias, modern-day Licata), and removing all the inhabitants from Gela, which he razed to the ground. His government was extremely oppressive initially, which 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.
Near Very Fine; heavily smoothed. Rare.
From the Vitangelo Collection.
Phintias 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 (Phintias, modern-day Licata), and removing all the inhabitants from Gela, which he razed to the ground. His government was extremely oppressive initially, which 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.