Catalog
| Issuer | Syracuse (Sicily) |
|---|---|
| Year | 214 BC - 212 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 12 Litrai |
| Currency | Litra |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 10.1 g |
| Diameter | 24 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | Burnett Enna#35 5#1434 |
| Obverse description | Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | |
| Obverse lettering | |
| Reverse description | Artemis standing left, firing bow; at her feet, hound running left. |
| Reverse script | Greek |
| Reverse lettering | ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΩΝ ΛΥ |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
ND (214 BC - 212 BC) - - |
| Numisquare ID | 6912893210 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 12 Litrai silver issue of Syracuse (214-212 BC) marks a pivotal, tragic era. After Hieron II's death, Syracuse re-established as the 'Fifth Democracy'. Caught in the Second Punic War, the city faced a relentless Roman siege under Marcellus. This coinage financed its desperate defense, serving as a poignant numismatic testament to Syracuse's final struggle for independence. Its production ceased with the city's fall to Rome in 212 BC, ending its autonomy.
Artistry: Engravers for this late Hellenistic period are anonymous, yet the 12 Litrai's artistry upholds Syracuse's renowned numismatic tradition