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Syracuse, Sicily, Pyrrhus of Epirus, 278 - 276 B.C.
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Bronze litra, SNG ANS SicilyIII 853; SGCV I 1214; (Calciati II p. 321, 176); (SNG Cop 813), weight 10.64 g, max. diameter 23.18 mm, Syracuse mint, 278 - 276 B.C.; obv. head of Herakles left, clad in lion's scalp head-dress; rev.
ΣΥΡΑ−ΚΟΣΙΩΝ, Athena Promachos advancing right, hurling thunderbolt with right, shield in left. A thick, dark olive green patina. Very fine style engraving! One of the nicest I've seen of Herakles on a bronze coin!
Background info. courtesy, Forvm Ancient Coins
In 279 BC, Pyrrhus forces, supporting the Greek cities of southern Italy, met and defeated the Romans at the battle of Asculum in Apulia. Pyrrhus, however, lost many men, several close associates, and all of his baggage. When one of his soldiers congratulated him on his victory, he famously replied: "Another such victory and we are ruined!" From this we have the term Pyrric victory, a victory achieved at ruinous cost.
Ex Roma Numismatics from Auction II; 2 Oct. 2011 pictured as lot 146
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