SICILY. Syracuse. Dionysios I (405-367 BC). Drachm.

Obv: Head of Athena facing slightly left, wearing decorated triple-crested Attic helmet, earring and necklace of pendants; four dolphins around.
Rev: ΣYPAKOΣIΩN / ΛEYKAΣΠIΣ.
The hero Leukaspis advancing right, holding shield and spear; altar to left, ram to right.

Kreutzer II.7.42 (this coin); SNG ANS 308-9; HGC 2, 1364.

Ex Kricheldorf XX (1969), lot 58. This rare Syracuse Drachm depicts on the reverse Leukaspis, a Sicilian hero who, according to legend, fell to defend the island during Herakles' invasion of Sicily. This is a surprisingly 'anti-Greek' myth, which could have several explanations. Some think it is due to the survival of a mixed environment in the city at that time (Rizzo), others note that Syracuse needed the support of the Siculians against the Athenian expedition in the late 5th century (Ravel).

Condition: Very fine.

Weight: 4.07 g.
Diameter: 18 mm.