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SICILY, Syracuse. Agathokles. 317-289 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25.5mm, 16.71 g, 8h). Struck circa 317-310 BC. Wreathed head of Arethousa left; three dolphins around, ΦΙ below neck / Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving fast quadriga left; triskeles above, monogram in exergue. Ierardi 57 (O11/R35); BAR Issue 2; HGC 2, 1348. Lightly toned, minor roughness. Near EF.
From the G. Savonarola Collection. Ex Allan Smith Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 102, 18 May 2016), lot 158.
Agathokles was born in Himera circa 361 BC, the son of a potter who moved the family to Syracuse in the 340s BC. Tiring of his father's trade, Agathokles became a soldier and quickly established himself as an able leader. Agathokles seized power at the head of a mercenary army in a bloody coup in 317 BC. Over the next few years, he strengthened his army and created a formidable navy, and used them to expand his power base throughout Sicily. This inevitably led him into conflict with Carthage, which still controlled territory in western Sicily. The war lasted from 311-306 BC and only resulted in each side becoming more entrenched in their respective parts of Sicily, with the border between them established along the Halycus River. In 304 BC, imitating the famous Diadochs in the east, Agathokles declared himself king of Sicily, though his power only extended across the eastern part of the island. His later years were more concerned with the consolidation of his power than with expansion. Seeing that none of his progeny could effectively rule in his place, in 289 BC, upon his death bed, Agathokles restored the Syracusan democracy.
The final winners of all CNG Feature Auction 129 lots will be determined during the live online sale that will be held on 13-14 May 2025. This lot is in Session One, which will begin 13 May at 9 AM ET.
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