Syracuse, Rule of Gelon , AR Tetradrachm, 485-478 B.C., BMC #04

Description

Gelon 485-478 BC

Commander-turned-tyrant who seized Syracuse, imported elites from conquered cities, and shattered a massive Carthaginian army at the Battle of Himera (480 BC). His fortifications and temple projects signaled Syracuse’s rise as Sicily’s leading Greek power.

Obverse:   Diademed head of Arethusa right; four dolphins around.

Reverse: Charioteer driving quadriga right; above, Nike flying right, crowning horses.

Diameter: 26 mm

The quadriga is associated with the festival and games held at Olympia every four years in honor of Zeus.  Issued during the reign of the tyrant Gelon, the Nike flying to crown the horses presumably celebrates his victory at the Olympic games in 488 B.C.

BECKER, BMC 4 Stamped on the rim, copy stamped on reverse
Silver-plated, made in the USA
Packaged in a coin collecting flip with the description of the coin printed on the flip insert.