Ancient Greek Tetradrachm of Syracuse – Agathokles, 310–305 BC

High-resolution 3D reproduction of an ancient Greek tetradrachm issued at Syracuse, Sicily, during the reign of Agathokles, circa 310–305 BC.

Obverse

Head of Kore facing right, wearing a wreath of grain ears and a single-pendant earring. The inscription ΚΟΡΑΣ appears behind the head.

Reverse

Nike standing to the right and erecting a trophy. A monogram appears in the lower-left field, with a triskeles symbol in the right field. The inscription ΑΓΑΘΟΚΛΕΟΣ is placed in the exergue.

Historical context

After Agathokles seized power in Syracuse in 317 BC, the city once again asserted control over coin production across much of Sicily. His reign marked a significant transition from the conservative artistic conventions of the Late Classical period to the more expressive style of the Early Hellenistic age.

This development is particularly visible in Syracusan coinage, which combines refined portraiture, dynamic compositions and carefully rendered symbolic details. The image of Kore reflects the agricultural and religious traditions of Sicily, while Nike erecting a trophy celebrates military victory and the authority of the ruler.

Although Agathokles remains a controversial historical figure, his patronage contributed to an important period of artistic production in Sicily. Coins of this type are among the finest surviving miniature works of art associated with his reign.

Numismatic referencesIerardi 103eHGC 2, 1536Boston Museum of Fine Arts 463Warren Collection 406Original coin informationAuthority: Agathokles of SyracuseMint: Syracuse, SicilyDate: circa 310–305 BCDenomination: TetradrachmWeight of the documented specimen: 16.68 gCondition of the documented specimen: Extremely FineCharacteristics: well-centred, slight patina and fine lines visible on the cheekRarity: rare type