Greek Coin. 16 Litrai of Hieron II. 274-216 BC.
Production date
0274 BCE-0216 BCE
Country
Italy
State/Province
Sicily
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Object detail
Description
Obv: Diademed head of Poseidon left, within border of dots. Rev: IEΡΩ-NOΣ, trident head, with scrolls decoration between prongs; lotiform shaft, flanked by dolphins
Classification
NUMISMATICS (COINS AND TOKENS) Ancient Greek Coins
Production date
0274 BCE-0216 BCE
Production place
Measurements
20mm (diameter)
2.5mm (thickness)
6gm (weight)
2.5mm (thickness)
6gm (weight)
Media/Materials description
bronze
Signature/Marks
IEΡΩ-NOΣ
History and use
This 16 litrai was minted by Syracusan tyrant Hieron II (r. 275-215 BC), first of the Hieronids, and troop commander following Pyrrhus of Epirus’ departure from Sicily. The obverse depicts the diademed head of the sea god Poseidon, and the reverse features a trident head, flanked by dolphins, with a legend IEΡΩ-NOΣ (“Hieron”). Poseidon is seen to causes earthquakes/floods; a reference to several incidents in the Sicilian Expedition (415-413 BC) where many Athenian enemies died before reaching Sicily.
History is contained in the designs and the imagery on coins were used as an opportunity to send messages concerning power, ideology, commemoration, and to bestow honour. Yet, more than that, coins are also dynamic items of material culture. They are small, portable and durable, and have been used for millennia to enable the transaction of goods and services. Coins are also part of everyday life, and unlike other items of material culture, tend not to have one owner; indeed, each coin has been passed through multiple people’s hands through time.
History is contained in the designs and the imagery on coins were used as an opportunity to send messages concerning power, ideology, commemoration, and to bestow honour. Yet, more than that, coins are also dynamic items of material culture. They are small, portable and durable, and have been used for millennia to enable the transaction of goods and services. Coins are also part of everyday life, and unlike other items of material culture, tend not to have one owner; indeed, each coin has been passed through multiple people’s hands through time.
Registration number
N2388
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