HIERON II THE BRONZE COIN SICILY 275-215 BC
080-00499
The Golden Age of Syracuse: Hieron II AE Bronze (c. 275–215 BC)
Own a piece of the Sicilian powerhouse that challenged empires. This AE Bronze coin was struck in Syracuse during the remarkably long and prosperous reign of Hieron II, a ruler whose political savvy and military grit turned his city into the jewel of the Mediterranean.
The Legacy of Hieron II
Hieron II wasn't just a tyrant; he was a survivor. Reigning for over fifty years—a tenure most ancient rulers would trade their best toga for—he navigated the treacherous waters of the First and Second Punic Wars. Originally an officer under Pyrrhus of Epirus, Hieron seized power and eventually formed a crucial alliance with Rome. His reign was a silver age of culture and science; it was Hieron who commissioned the legendary polymath Archimedes to solve the problem of the "Golden Crown" and defend the city with his ingenious war machines.
Iconic Sicilian Artistry
Syracusan coinage is widely considered the pinnacle of Greek numismatic art, and even their bronze "money of necessity" reflects this aesthetic standard.
The Obverse: Typically features a powerful, diademed portrait of Hieron II himself or the noble head of Zeus, the king of the gods, rendered with the sharp, classical features characteristic of Sicilian mints.
The Reverse: Often depicts a galloping horseman or a trident flanked by dolphins. The horseman was a symbol of the Syracusan aristocracy and their famed cavalry, while the trident paid homage to Poseidon and the city’s naval supremacy.
Grade & Quality: VF (Very Fine)
Ancient bronzes often suffer from "bronze disease" or heavy smoothing, but this specimen is graded VF (Very Fine).
Preservation: At this grade, the coin exhibits moderate, even wear. The central motifs remain bold and well-defined, and the Greek inscriptions are largely legible.
Patina: Expect a rich, dark patina that only centuries of burial in Sicilian soil can produce, providing a beautiful contrast to the raised relief of the design.
Technical Specifications
Feature- Details
Authority- Hieron II, King of Syracuse
Period- c. 275–215 BC
Origin- Syracuse, Sicily
Denomination- AE (Bronze)
GradeVF (Very Fine)
Historical Context- The era of the Punic Wars and Archimedes
Why collect This Coin?
Syracuse was the New York City of the ancient Greek world—vibrant, wealthy, and fiercely independent. This bronze coin offers a direct connection to the world of Archimedes and the high-stakes diplomacy of the Punic Wars, making it a cornerstone for any collection of Greek or Roman-era artifacts.
Own a piece of the Sicilian powerhouse that challenged empires. This AE Bronze coin was struck in Syracuse during the remarkably long and prosperous reign of Hieron II, a ruler whose political savvy and military grit turned his city into the jewel of the Mediterranean.
The Legacy of Hieron II
Hieron II wasn't just a tyrant; he was a survivor. Reigning for over fifty years—a tenure most ancient rulers would trade their best toga for—he navigated the treacherous waters of the First and Second Punic Wars. Originally an officer under Pyrrhus of Epirus, Hieron seized power and eventually formed a crucial alliance with Rome. His reign was a silver age of culture and science; it was Hieron who commissioned the legendary polymath Archimedes to solve the problem of the "Golden Crown" and defend the city with his ingenious war machines.
Iconic Sicilian Artistry
Syracusan coinage is widely considered the pinnacle of Greek numismatic art, and even their bronze "money of necessity" reflects this aesthetic standard.
The Obverse: Typically features a powerful, diademed portrait of Hieron II himself or the noble head of Zeus, the king of the gods, rendered with the sharp, classical features characteristic of Sicilian mints.
The Reverse: Often depicts a galloping horseman or a trident flanked by dolphins. The horseman was a symbol of the Syracusan aristocracy and their famed cavalry, while the trident paid homage to Poseidon and the city’s naval supremacy.
Grade & Quality: VF (Very Fine)
Ancient bronzes often suffer from "bronze disease" or heavy smoothing, but this specimen is graded VF (Very Fine).
Preservation: At this grade, the coin exhibits moderate, even wear. The central motifs remain bold and well-defined, and the Greek inscriptions are largely legible.
Patina: Expect a rich, dark patina that only centuries of burial in Sicilian soil can produce, providing a beautiful contrast to the raised relief of the design.
Technical Specifications
Feature- Details
Authority- Hieron II, King of Syracuse
Period- c. 275–215 BC
Origin- Syracuse, Sicily
Denomination- AE (Bronze)
GradeVF (Very Fine)
Historical Context- The era of the Punic Wars and Archimedes
Why collect This Coin?
Syracuse was the New York City of the ancient Greek world—vibrant, wealthy, and fiercely independent. This bronze coin offers a direct connection to the world of Archimedes and the high-stakes diplomacy of the Punic Wars, making it a cornerstone for any collection of Greek or Roman-era artifacts.
| Additional Information | |
|---|---|
| COUNTRY | SICILY |
| DENOMINATION | AE |
| EdgeItemKey | 001-080-00499 |
| GRADE | VF |
| Inventory Type | Memo |
| stone info | [] |
| Vendor Style Code | HIERON II GREEK COINAGE |
| YEAR | 275-215 BC |
