Watch List notes:

COINS OF THE GREEK WORLD
SICILY
Syracuse

Fifth Democracy, 214-212. 16 Litrai - Tetradrachm 214/212. Laureate head of Zeus to l. Rev. ΣYPAKOΣIΩ(N) Nike driving fast quadriga to r. and holding reins in both hands, kentron in l.; beneath on r. ΞI. 13.38 g. Burnett, SNR 62, pl. 8, D3 = Gulbenkian 358 (same dies). Hoover 1411. Very rare. Attractive light toning. Superb, powerful portrait. Uncirculated.

From an old Swiss collection.In the last three years of independence, before the conquest by Rome, Syracuse issued a remarkable series of coinage. Depicted were the important deities Zeus, Athena, Persephone, Heracles, Poseidon and all rendered by talented engravers. The Zeus portrayal is especially forceful and virile - an outstanding example of late Hellenistic art.