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Dekadrachm - Hieron II
| Issuer | Syracuse |
|---|---|
| Year | 220 BC - 217 BC |
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| Currency | Litra |
| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Draped bust of Persephone facing left, her hair bound with a wreath of grain ears, adorned with a pendant earring and a pearl necklace; a secondary wreath appears behind the head in the field. The portrait is rendered in the refined Hellenistic style characteristic of Syracusan coinage under Hieron II, with delicate facial features and detailed jewelry. |
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| Reverse description | Nike, goddess of victory, depicted in profile driving a two-horse chariot (biga) at speed to the left; she holds a kentron (goad) in her outstretched right hand and the reins in her left. The letter alpha (Α) appears below the horses in the field, and the Greek inscription ΙΕΡΩΝΟΣ occupies the exergue, identifying the coin as an issue of Hieron II. The composition reflects the dynamic chariot-race imagery deeply rooted in Syracusan numismatic tradition. |
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| Additional information |
Hieron II ruled Syracuse for over half a century as a careful political survivor, first aligning with Carthage after the First Punic War before pivoting to Rome — a relationship that brought the city unusual stability and prosperity. His gold issues are exceptionally rare, almost certainly struck for specific ceremonial or diplomatic purposes rather than general circulation, which accounts for their survival in comparatively fine condition.
The SNG Stockholm reference places this piece within a tightly documented group. "Dekadrachm" as a denomination label here reflects equivalent value rather than a direct weight standard matching the classical Syracusan silver dekadrachm tradition.