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Lot # 236
Sicily. Syracuse. Pyrrhos (278-276 BC). AR Oktobol, c. 297-272 BC. Obv. Head of Persephone right, wearing wreath of grain; behind, dolphin swimming downwards. Rev. ΠYPPOY - BAΣIΛEΩΣ. Athena Alkidemos advancing left, holding shield and brandishing spear; thunderbolt to left. HGC 2 -; HGC 3.1 263; Cf. SNG ANS 832. AR. 5.15 g. 20.00 mm. RRR. Extremely rare. Rough surfaces. VF. Pyrrhus was a king of Epirus and one of the most famous military commanders of antiquity. He is primarily known for his campaigns in Italy against the Romans and his warfare tactics that influenced many subsequent commanders. His presence in Sicily is significant as he was involved in the struggles for control of the island during the period when this coin was minted in Syracuse. The coin itself reflects the importance of Sicily as a center of conflict and trade in the western Mediterranean during that time.