Nomos 5

SICILY, Syracuse. Fifth Democracy. 214-212 BC. 8 Litrai (Silver, 6.76 g 6), signed by the engraver Ly(sid...) within the exergual lines on the reverse. Head of Kore-Persephone to left, wearing wreath of grain leaves, triple pendant earring and pearl necklace; behind, owl standing left. Rev. ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΩΝ Nike, holding goad in her right hand and reins in her left, driving quadriga galloping to right; above, monogram of ΑΡΚ; on ground line, in tiny letters, ΛΥ. Burnett, Enna D 36, 6 (same dies). Jameson 894. Very rare, beautifully toned and of lovely late Hellenistic style. Some very slight traces of die rust, otherwise, extremely fine.

Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 33, 5 April 2006, 105 and Monnaies et Médailles 61, 7 October 1982, 73.

This coin, a particularly beautiful example of one Syracuse’s last silver issues, is a clear adaptation of the coins designed by Euainetos that were made some 200 years earlier. The head of Kore-Persephone is both serene and elegant and was produced just a short time before the Romans sacked the city. So few of these coins survive that it is likely that the majority of those issued were captured and melted down to produce denarii.