Description
Denomination: Copper AE16
Period: Ancient Greece
Date: 317-310BC
Origin: Syracuse mint
Condition: VF+/almost EF (unusual variant with SYRACUSE below) from well executed dies. dark patina
Obverse: Head of Persephone. left; symbol before (possibly wheat stalk) symbol behind (possibly scallop)
Reverse: Bull charging left. SYRAKOS in exergue. delta above. lettering above bull
Size and Weight: 3.35g. 16mm
References: SNG 762 var
Features and Provenance: Syracuse produced the most artistically beautiful silver coins in the Greek world. but its skills extended to its copper coinage also and the dies (the tools used to strike the flans) were masterfully created. Despite being ruled by tyrants. the area enjoyed economic and cultural success. Our coin come from the reign of Agathokles (317-289BC) who proclaimed himself king. He made his presence known by placing Persephone on the obverse of the coins instead of the standard Arethusa. She was the wife of Hades and the goddess of vegetation. flowers and grain; an important deity throughout ancient Greece.
Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades in-between
Uncirculated (U). As struck with no traces of wear
Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear. all parts of legend etc present. visible and clear
Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief. all parts of legend etc present. but maybe worn
Fine (F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible
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