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16 Litrai - Philistis
| Issuer | Syracuse |
|---|---|
| Year | 269 BC - 215 BC |
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| Composition | Silver |
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| Reverse description | A slow quadriga advancing to the right, driven by Nike, the winged goddess of victory, who holds the reins firmly with both hands in a commanding posture. The horses are depicted in measured, stately motion, conveying regal dignity rather than speed, in keeping with the ceremonial character of the type. The Greek legend BAΣIΛIΣΣAΣ ΦIΛIΣTIΔΟΣ, meaning 'of Queen Philistis,' is disposed in two lines around the design. The control letter Φ (phi) appears in the field. A dotted border frames the composition. |
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| Mint | Syracuse |
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| Additional information |
Philistis was the wife of Hieron II, who ruled Syracuse as king from around 269 BC until his death in 215 BC — one of the longest and most stable reigns in the city's turbulent history. Her appearance on silver coinage of this weight and quality is unusual for the period; Greek and Sicilian coinages rarely honored living queens with such prominent placement on high-value denominations. The issue almost certainly reflects deliberate dynastic messaging as Hieron consolidated his position following the chaos of the Pyrrhic Wars and the early confrontations with Rome.
The series is well-documented across major collections, yet original die studies suggest production was not continuous across the full reign.