SICILY, Syracuse. Philistis, wife of Hieron II. 275-215 BC. AR 16 Litrai – Tetradrachm (27.5mm, 13.16 g, 1h). Struck circa 217-215 BC. Good VF.

CNG Feature Auction 133
Lot: 99. Estimated: $ 1 000

Greek, Coin-in-Hand Video, Silver

Sold For $ 5 500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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SICILY, Syracuse. Philistis, wife of Hieron II. 275-215 BC. AR 16 Litrai – Tetradrachm (27.5mm, 13.16 g, 1h). Struck circa 217-215 BC. Diademed and veiled head left; star to right / Nike, holding reins, driving slow quadriga right; star above, K to right. CCO – (D7/R35 [unlisted die combination]); BAR Issue 65; HGC 2, 1556. Toned, some find patina, trace deposits, small edge chip, some crystallization. Good VF.

Philistis was the daughter of an influential Syracusan named Leptines. Hieron, a mercenary refugee from the army of Pyrrhos of Epeiros, took control of Syracuse after Pyrrhos’ withdrawal from the city in 275 BC. Hieron immediately sought out and married Philistis to secure his position with the city’s elite. His coinage in her name commenced after he was proclaimed king (and she queen) in 265 BC and reflects the strong influence of Ptolemaic Egypt, depicting her veiled head in a manner reminiscent of Egyptian queens Arsinöe II and Berenike II.

The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 133 lots will be determined at the live online sale that will be held on 15-16 September 2026.

CNG Feature Auction 133 – Session One – Lot 1-308 will be held Tuesday morning, 15 September 2026 beginning at 9:00 AM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.

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