Summary
A copper coin issued by the city of Syracuse, Sicily, 278-276 BC
Issued during the Sicilian campaign of Pyrrhus of Epirus
Mint: Syracuse
Reference: BMC Sicily p.207 No. 503
Die axis: 09
Obverse Description
Herakles facing left wearing lion's skin
Reverse Description
Pallas advancing right hurling a thunderbolt and holding a shield. Around below in Greek {SYRA KOSION}
Edge Description
plain
Significance
Pyrrhus became king of Epirus and Macedon. He fought the Pyrrhic War 280-275 BC fighting in Sicily when this coin was produced, 278-276 BC.
His costly military successes against Macedonia and Rome gave rise to the phrase "Pyrrhic victory"
More Information
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Collection Names
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Transfer from National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), Mr Lincoln, Eugene von Guerard, 15 Mar 1976
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Date Issued
278-276 BC
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Issued By
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Previous Collection
Eugene von Guerard, Melbourne, Greater Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, pre 1880
Listed in Eugene von Guerard's catalogue, vol.1, p.12. Purchased by Eugene von Guerard from Mr Lincoln of London for 1 shillings. -
Material
Bronze
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Axis
09
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Dimensions
22 mm (Outside Diameter), 8.595 g (Weight)
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Shape
Round
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References
BMC.Sicily p.207 No. 503 Sear 1214
[Book] Poole, Reginald S. 1876. A Catalogue of the Greek Coins in the British Museum, Sicily., 207 Pages
[Catalogue] Pullin, Ruth. 2011. Nature Revealed: Eugene von Guerard.
[Book] Sear, David R. 1978. Greek Coins and Their Values, Europe. I., 125 Pages
