Sicily, Syracuse. Agathokles. Silver Tetradrachm (17.20 g), 317-289 BC. Ca. 317-310 BC. Wreathed head of Arethusa left, surrounded by three dolphins; below neck, NK. Reverse: [Σ]YPAKOΣIΩN in exergue, charioteer, holding goad and reins, driving galloping quadriga left; above, triskeles; in exergue, monogram. Ierardi 42b (O8/R23; this coin); SNG Manchester 495 (same obv. die); SNG ANS 639 (same rev. die). Beautiful old cabinet toning. NGC grade Ch AU*; Strike: 5/5, Surface: 5/5. Fine style. Estimated Value $5,000 - UP
Although this tetradrachm names the Syracusans as the issuing authority, it was actually struck during the rule of Agathokles as tyrant of the city. It was probably struck to finance the increasingly desperate war against the Carthaginians in Sicily that forced Agathokles to flee Syracuse in 310 BC and attempt to inflict losses on Carthage at home. Although he managed to capture several cities on the coast of what is now modern Tunisia, his forces were soundly defeated in 307 BC. At this point, Agathokles abandoned his army (and his two sons!) and secretly sailed back to Sicily. Despite this ignominious end to the war in North Africa, Agathokles had proved himself dangerous enough that the Carthaginians abandoned the siege of Syracuse and accepted a peace settlement.The types of Arethusa and a racing quadriga had been traditional at Syracuse since the fifth century BC, but the issue of Agathokles is notable for its prominent use of an additional triskeles symbol. The triskeles was often used in antiquity as a symbol of the three-cornered island of Sicily and here may advertise his ambition to become the king of all Sicily - a title he finally claimed for himself in 305 BC.
Ex Capt. E.G. Spencer Churchill Collection (Ars Classica XIV, 2 July 1929), 139; Ars Classica XII (18 October 1926), 987.