Sicily, Syracuse. Hicetas. RESTRUCK ISSUE. 288-279 BC.
Sicily, Syracuse. Hicetas. RESTRUCK ISSUE. 288-279 BC.
AE 18, 6.68g (18mm, 9h). Laureate youthful head of Zeus l. ΔΙΟΣ ΕΛΛΑΝΙΟY in front (Restruck head at back of Zeus)/ Eagle standing on winged thunderbolt.
References: Calciati 154
Grade: Complete legend visible on obverse. Restruck on apparently the same type (see back of head and held with neck at 12h the face is visible). Attractive patina and lovely specimen. EF (gk1509)
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This coin, which is not unique in its restrike, remains an interesting lesson in how coins were struck sometimes with errors and still managed to get circulated in the market. The idea of quality control was obviously not a huge factor at the time. That said, collectors find delight when they discover an unusual restrike. This issue has a restrike at the back of the youthful Zeus’s head which shows an older version with a beard. The coin is incredibly well struck while still playing a mental imagery game with the restrike at the back of the head.