Hello friends, here is a magnificent ancient bronze, perfectly struck and preserved. PM me if interested. The price includes tracked shipping within the US. Payment by Paypal (+3.6%), MO, check, or Wise. I have 100% positive feedback on eBay over eight years of sales and I offer a lifetime guarantee of authenticity. Peace and blessings, J. _________________________________________________ Hiketas II was tyrant of Syracuse from 287 -278 BC. Read a brief history here. Zeus Hellanios can be translated as “the Zeus worshipped by all Greeks.” He appears almost exclusively on Sicilian coinage from c. 290 to 260 BC. He is not depicted with his typical beard, and therefore sometimes confused with Apollo. In fact, Zeus Hellanios is considered the “Bringer of Rains,” referring to a legend in which Aikus, king of Aigina, implored the deity to avert drought and barrenness in the land of Greece. Why certain Sicilian cities embraced this aspect of Zeus during this particular span of 30 years is unknown. Were they struggling with a drought of their own? It’s a question worth investigating. At any rate, here is a stunning bronze in beautiful style, as struck from fresh dies, never circulated, and exhibiting a rich, dark patina. This coin was obviously collected the moment it came off the dies. Examples of this quality often hammer over $300 at CNG before fees, scroll through these pages to get an idea. One of the most beautiful ancient coins I’ve handled. $200 shipped. SICILY. Syracuse. Hiketas II. 287-278 BC. AE25, 9.7g, 12h; struck c. 283-279 BC. Obv.: Laureate head of Zeus Hellanios right. Rev.: Eagle standing left on thunderbolt, wings displayed. Reference: HGC 2, 1449 (p. 376). From the Stevearino Collection, ex-JAZ Numismatics, ex Theodosius.
