Classical Numismatic Group > Triton XXVIIIAuction date: 14 January 2025
Lot number: 109

Price realized: 37,500 USD   (Approx. 36,780 EUR)   Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees.
Lot description:


SICILY, Syracuse. Hieron II. 275-215 BC. AV Drachm – Hemistater (16.5mm, 4.27 g, 1h). Struck 269-263 or 217-215 BC. Head of Persephone left, wearing wreath of grain ears and necklace; cornucopia to right / Nike, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in right hand, reins in left, driving fast biga left; A below, IEPΩNOΣ in exergue. Carroccio 22 (D22/R28); BAR Issue 55; HGC 2, 1539; SNG Fitzwilliam 1388 (same dies); BMC 517 (same obv. die). Lustrous, tiny deposit on obverse, minor doubling on reverse. Superb EF. Struck from fresh dies. Among the finest known.

From the Gerald F. Borrmann (Northern California Gentleman) Collection, purchased from Frank Kovacs, December 2003.

Hieron II started life as the illegitimate son of a noble father, allegedly a distant descendant of the Syracusan tyrant Gelon I. Later legends claim Hieron was exposed as an infant, but swarms of bees fed him honey until his father, warned by an astrologer, came and rescued the boy. As a young man, he served as a mercenary soldier in the army of Pyrrhos of Epeiros. When his commander elected to abort his Sicilian expedition in 275 BC, Hieron stayed behind and convinced a cabal of fellow soldiers to choose him as leader and seize power in Syracuse. He went on to rule the city and much of Sicily, first as a military tyrant, later as an enlightened and successful king, for nearly 50 years. He is most famous as the king who patronized the brilliant polymath Archimedes in his "eureka!" discovery, the principle of displacement. Hieron's coinage is widely varied, interesting, and in many ways inspired by that of his Hellenistic ally, the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt.

Estimate: 10000 USD

Match 1:
Classical Numismatic Group > Electronic Auction 576Auction date: 4 December 2024
Lot number: 24

Price realized: 110 USD   (Approx. 105 EUR)   Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees.
Lot description:


SICILY, Syracuse. Hieron II. 275-215 BC. Æ (20mm, 5.26 g, 6h). Struck circa 275-269 BC. Head of Persephone left, wearing wreath of grain ears; [control mark behind neck] / Bull charging left; club and Z above, IE in exergue. CNS 191 Ds (67 or 89) R1 9 or 192 D1 R1 9; BAR Issue 53; HGC 2, 1469. Green-brown patina, light cleaning marks, a couple minor scratches on obverse. VF.

Ex Grand Haven Collection (Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 478, 7 October 2020), lot 59.


Estimate: 100 USD

Match 2:
Classical Numismatic Group > Electronic Auction 581Auction date: 19 February 2025
Lot number: 27

Price realized: This lot is for sale in an upcoming auction - Bid on this lot
Lot description:


SICILY, Syracuse. Hieron II. 275-215 BC. Æ Hemilitron (19mm, 5.83 g, 11h). Struck circa 275-269 BC. Head of Persephone left, wearing wreath of grain ears; [control mark behind neck] / Bull charging left; club and Z above, IE in exergue. Cf. CNS 191 Ds (67 or 89) R1 9 or 192 D1 R1 9; BAR Issue 53; HGC 2, 1469. Dark green-brown patina. In NGC encapsulation 4276268-004, graded XF, Strike: 5/5, Surface: 3/5, Fine Style.


Estimate: 100 USD

Match 3:
Classical Numismatic Group > Electronic Auction 573Auction date: 23 October 2024
Lot number: 147

Price realized: 140 USD   (Approx. 130 EUR)   Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees.
Lot description:


SICILY, Syracuse. Hieron II. 275-215 BC. Æ Hemilitron (19.5mm, 5.75 g, 3h). Struck circa 275-269 BC. Wreathed head of Persephone left; poppy head to right / Bull butting left; club and Θ above, IE in exergue. CNS 191 Ds89 R1 8; BAR Issue 53; HGC 2, 1469. Earthen dark green surfaces. VF.


Estimate: 100 USD

Match 4:
Classical Numismatic Group > Electronic Auction 576Auction date: 4 December 2024
Lot number: 25

Price realized: 190 USD   (Approx. 181 EUR)   Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees.
Lot description:


SICILY, Syracuse. Hieron II. 275-215 BC. Æ (26.5mm, 16.59 g, 1h). Struck circa 230 or 218-215 BC. Diademed head left / Horseman riding right, holding couched spear in right arm; N below. CNS 195 R1 22; BAR Issue 62; HGC 2, 1548. Green-brown patina, area of weak strike on reverse. Good VF.

Ex Grand Haven Collection (Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 478, 7 October 2020), lot 60.


Estimate: 150 USD

Match 5:
Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 229 | SilverAuction date: 25 August 2024
Lot number: 2

Price realized: 160 EUR   (Approx. 178 USD)   Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees.
Lot description:


Sicily. Syracuse. Hieron II 275-215 BC.
Bronze Æ

28 mm, 18,04 g

Diademed head of Hieron to left / Armoured cavalryman on horseback to right, holding spear; A below, IEPΩNOΣ in exergue.

Extremely Fine

HGC 2, 1548.

Hieron II was a prominent figure in ancient Sicily, particularly known for his long and stable reign as the king of Syracuse from approximately 275 BC until his death in 215 BC. His rule is often noted for its relative peace, prosperity, and the strategic political maneuvers that allowed Syracuse to remain independent during a tumultuous period of Mediterranean history. Hieron II initially rose to power through his military prowess, particularly during the wars against the Mamertines, a group of mercenaries who had seized control of the city of Messana. After successfully defeating them and securing Syracuse, Hieron was elected as the city's general, and later, around 270 BC, he was proclaimed king. One of Hieron's most significant achievements was his alliance with Rome during the First Punic War (264-241 BC). Recognizing the growing power of Rome and the potential threat from Carthage, Hieron wisely aligned Syracuse with Rome, ensuring his kingdom's security. This alliance proved beneficial, as it allowed Syracuse to maintain its autonomy while gaining the protection of the burgeoning Roman Republic. Hieron II was also known for his contributions to the infrastructure and culture of Syracuse. He invested in building projects, including fortifications and temples, and supported the arts and sciences. The mathematician and engineer Archimedes, who is famous for his work on geometry, physics, and military engineering, was said to be in the service of Hieron II, providing further testament to the intellectual environment of Syracuse during Hieron's reign. His long rule, characterized by careful diplomacy and a focus on internal stability, ended with his death in 215 BC. Unfortunately, after his passing, Syracuse struggled to maintain the same level of stability and eventually fell to Rome in the Second Punic War.



Starting price: 150 EUR