SICILY. Syracuse. Agathokles, 317-289 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 27 mm, 17.19 g, 3 h), circa 317-310. Head of Arethousa to left, wearing wreath of grain leaves, triple pendant earring and pearl necklace; around, three dolphins; below neck, NI. Rev. ΣYPAKOΣIΩN Charioteer driving quadriga galloping to left, holding kentron in his right hand and reins in his left; above, triskeles running left; in exergue, monogram of AI. Ierardi 33d (this coin, O6/R17). SNG ANS 638 (same dies). Fresh and crisp, a beautiful piece struck on excellent silver. Good extremely fine.




This tetradrachm was struck in the early years of Agathokles' lengthy reign, before he assumed the kingship. The types are those of the famous dekadrachms of Euainetos, albeit with the obverse and reverse reversed, and the legend still uses the plain ethnic without any reference to the tyrant.