ANCIENT - Fat Black Litra - Sicily, Syracuse 405 - 367 BC

I have had my eye on this coin for over a year I have seen its price reduced many times. Many times I was committed to another coin or was broke or some other deal I felt I couldn't pass up came along. I have recommended it to several friends whom were looking for a similar type. For whatever reason it went unsold. I felt that this coin was meant for me to appreciate. A large gorgeous thickly patinized black ancient bronze litra from the time of the tyrant Dionysios I to the time of the Third Democracy.405 -367BC
I handed the coin to my wife and asked her what she thought. (shes not into coins) She responded," It doesn't feel like a coin- it feels like a rock!" I think thats a good discription of what it feels like. I said "Yea A very smooth cold rock - Struck in Syracuse after 395 BC!!!

Italy,Sicily,Syracuse
AE Litra 25.16 g x 29.2 mm
Time of Dionysios I - Third Democracy
405-367 BC. Struck after 395 BC.
Obverse: Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet decorated with an olive wreath - SYPA
Reverse: Octopus between two dolphins.
ref: Calciati II pg. 128, 62/70; SNG ANS 454; SNG Morcom 697. Sear #1189

 

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It's very cool...

I love Syracusian coins, but they are not my focus for now... Punic and Non-Classicals for me

 

Yeah, those are very cool imo

Nice chubby flan !

My fat one :biggrin:

 

Those really are rocks - the thickest flans I've ever seen. Ancientnoob, that coin was obviously waiting patiently for its rightful owner. :thumb:

As far as wives go, mine wanted to spin a Greek Philip II bronze on the kitchen counter!

So I let her.

 

It should be your focus.

 

Daaaaaaaaannnnnng thats a nice Chubby!!!! Look ant the legend everybody!!!!......Daaaaannnnnngggg!

 

So what would you value my coin at in $USD? I want to know if I got a real deal?

 

It isn't yet (keyword, yet!)

I can't afford them in the grades I like...

I prefer centered coins with solid patinas...

And those cost a lot when they have okay details

 

I have no idea, but I'd rather have your coin than a couple I saw on vcoins in the 250-300 range. If that helps...

 

Hmmmm... 100-150$ (Paid mine aroud 325$)...

 

Both coins are outstanding examples and I would love to have one some day. :thumb::thumb::thumb:

 

Still music to my ears! I paid $90,Shipped

 

Not a bad deal I'd say :yes:

 

I still cant get over the fact its soo heavy for its size. Its so chubby!

 

It's almost the weight of a US silver dollar scrunched down to almost the size of a half dollar.

 

I absolutely love the coins from Syracuse!! (super cool!!)

=> that's one great lookin' black rock, A-Dawg!!

 

Wow Anoob, to wait and pick this up awesome, you sure can find them, we will have to start calling you a young Mr. Harper....

 

To claim lineage to a great person was the fashionable thing to do if you wanted to strike coins for the masses.

 

:d

 

I really want one of these Litras, but they are so hard to find in the condition I want. I have several other bronzes from Syracuse from that era, but nothing large sized. In my experience it is easier to find nice higher grade silver than it is bronze. Something in the climate there must have been really harsh on the bronze.