Lot 1709

Description

Sicily, Syracuse, Time of Agathokles, (317-289 B.C.), electrum fifty (50) litrai, (3.538 grams), obv. laureate head of Apollo head with long flowing hair, lamp behind, all within dotted border, rev. **[SUR]AK OSION around, tripod lebes with legs ending in lion's feet, (S.957 [£400], Jenkins 'Electrum Coinage of Syracuse' Essays Robinson, p.157 (Pl.14, obv. die 12, rev. die 16, same dies), BMC 257 (same dies), Boston 448 (same dies). Attractive red tone, very fine, rare.

An important issue struck during the Carthaginian War c. 310-306 B.C. Jenkins notes that only one obverse die was used for this symbol and five reverse dies these with some muling with other obverse dies utilising other symbols. The financing of Agathokles' war with the Carthaginians was provided by a series of three electrum denominations, 50, 25 and 10 litrai. Only the 50 litrai was produced in enough quantity to actually play a significant role in the war's financial operations. The gold content of the 50 litrai varies from 70% for the first issue to 30% for the later issues. This probably reflects a lack of booty from the campaign needed to provide the necessary bullion to finance the expedition. The choice of Apollo/tripod type proclaims Agathokles' devotion to his patron god.