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Research Coins: Electronic Auction

 
64, Lot: 61. Estimate $300.
Sold for $432. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

SICILY, Syracuse. Agathokles. 317-289 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25mm, 16.72 gm). Struck circa 305-295 BC.KORAS, wreathed head of Kore right, wearing single-pendant earring and necklace / Nike standing right and erecting trophy; triskeles to left. Ierardi 210 (O58/R141); SNG ANS 679. Toned VF, rough surfaces.

From the Charles E. Weber Collection. Ex Superior 136 (5 December 1997), lot 1317.

A native of Thermai Himeraiai, Agathokles migrated to Syracuse during the time of Timoleon. There, he distinguished himself in wars against the Bruttii and Akragas, but his repeated machinations against the ruling oligarchy forced his repeated exile. In 317 BC, he finally became tyrant through the support of the lower classes. During his tyranny, he tried to check the power of Carthage in Sicily, going so far as to form an alliance with Cyrene to assist in taking Carthage itself. His absence from the scene, however, resulted in the defeat of his plan. Turning his attention back to Sicily, he pacified a major portion of the island, declared himself king in 304 BC, and began a campaign of expansion into Magna Graecia; in 300 BC, he captured the island of Korkyra. His attempt to found a dynasty failed, however, and before his death in 289 BC, he 'restored' Syracusan freedom. This was a futile gesture and only continued the anarchy which was to plague the island.