★ Ex Chaponnière & Firmenich SA ★

Sicily. Syracuse. Agathokles circa 317-289 BC. Struck circa 310-306/5 BC
Tetradrachm AR

27 mm, 17,05 g

Wreathed head of Kore to right; KOPAΣ behind / ΑΓΑΘΟΚΛΕΙΟΣ, Nike standing to right, crowning trophy she has erected to right; triskeles to lower left.

good extremely fine

Ierardi 157 (O40/R106); BAR Issue 23; HGC 2, 1536.

Ex Leu Numismatik AG, Web Auction 20, 16 July 2022, lot 336 (hammer: CHF 3,600); Ex Chaponnière & Firmenich SA, Auction 13, 16 May 2021, lot 85. Agathokles, born around 361 BC, rose from humble origins to become the tyrant of Syracuse in 317 BC and later proclaimed himself King of Sicily. His reign was marked by warfare, particularly against Carthage, and bold military actions, such as his audacious but ultimately unsuccessful invasion of North Africa. Despite his military struggles, Agathokles significantly influenced Syracusan coinage, reflecting both his political ambitions and the broader Hellenistic trends. While retaining traditional Syracusan types like the head of Arethusa surrounded by dolphins, Agathokles introduced new coin types that mirrored the royal imagery of the Greek kingdoms to the east. Common motifs included Herakles, Apollo, and Athena, which reinforced his authority and divine favor. Notably, he also issued electrum coinage, an unprecedented move for Syracuse, which highlighted both his wealth and his desire to emulate eastern practices. In his later years, Agathokles became the first Syracusan ruler to include the royal title on his coins, marking his transformation from tyrant to monarch in line with Hellenistic rulers. His innovations in coinage set a precedent for future monarchs of Syracuse, reflecting his lasting influence on the political and numismatic landscape of the city.