Lot 3844

Description

Sicily, Syracuse, reign of Agathokles, (317-289 B.C.) and issued 305-300 B.C., silver tetradrachm, (16.982 grams), obv. head of Persephone to left, wearing wreath of corn, KOPA**S* behind, rev. Nike standing facing to right, erecting a trophy, to lower left a triskeles, to left, **AGAQOK[LEIOS]*, (cf.S.973; Ierardi 241 [Obv. 70, rev. 163, p.66, ANS American Journal of Numismatics 7-8 'Tetradrachms of Agathocles of Syracuse], SNG Lloyd 1494 [same obverse die]). Grey tone with golden highlights, extremely fine with a nice attractive flan and very rare.

Ex CNG Triton VII January 12, 2004 (lot 107). Left facing heads of Kore are only known for four examples all from the same obverse die, according to Ierardi in his definitive study of all types and varieties of Agathokles. The only other known example from the same dies was in a Coin Galleries March 12, 1970 Mail Bid Sale (lot 55) and that came from a Hesperia FPL 21 [1962] item 16.