Silver Tetradrachm of Syracuse, 17.09 g.

Silver Tetradrachm of Syracuse, 17.09 g.

Syracuse, Sicily, Italy

c. 305-295 BCE

Obverse: Head of Persephone to right, wearing earring, necklace, and wreath of corn leaves; ΚΟΡΑΣ: of Kore.

Reverse: Nike erecting trophy to right; triskeles in right field; monogram in left field; ΑΓΑΘΟΚΛΕ[ΟΣ]: of Agathokles.

Style/Period: Early Hellenistic

On this coin, as on his drachms, Agathokles of Syracuse combines types referring to local cults and his own military successes (see coin 91.036). On the obverse, Persephone is identified by the inscription as Kore, the title usually gives her as daughter of Demeter. With her mother she was associated with crops and the seasons, and their cult was an important one throughout agricultural Sicily. She wears a wreath of corn in her long, flowing hair.
The reverse commemorates Agathokles’ victory over the Carthaginians in 305 BCE. Nike erects a trophy of military equipment, a thorax, greaves, and shield. In addition to his symbol, the triskeles, Agathokles has added his name to the reverse; the monogram probably stands for his brother Antandros.
-- Kelly Swett Riordan, LU '93

Bibliography: K. Jenkins, Coins of Greek Sicily (London 1966) 29.

Former collection of Ottilia Buerger. Purchased from Bank Leu, June 1, 1972

91.037

Wriston Art Center Galleries, Lawrence University, Appleton, WI,wriston-gallery@lawrence.edu,920-832-6890