Series Ancient Coins: Hiero II of Syracuse

Hiero II lived in the period 308 – 215 BC. He was the Greek Sicilian Tyrant of Syracuse from 270 to 215 BC, and the illegitimate son of Hierocles. He was a former general of Pyrrhus of Epirus and an important figure of the First Punic War against the Roman Republic.

There are a lot of coins minted under Hiero II. One of the chief motives is this rare and impressive specimen (References: BAR Issue 74; HGC 2, 1546):

(Source: Auction 49 of Numismatik Naumann)

Obverse you see a diademed head left and reverse Nike driving a biga right, holding kentron and reins. The inscriptions are IEPΩNOΣ at the basement and N below the horses. This motive is also well-known for coins of the Roman Republic (Nike = Victory).

Further interesting coins will follow. Hope you're interested in this series.

Andreas