CVC & Collectables presents an early and powerful issue of Greek coinage from the city of Gela in Sicily, struck under the rule of Gelon, one of the most formidable tyrants of the Greek West. This silver didrachm, minted circa 490–475 BC and certified NGC VF, is a testament to Gelon’s rise from cavalry commander to master of both Gela and Syracuse, and ultimately a key figure in defeating the Carthaginians at the Battle of Himera (480 BC).
Coin Highlights:
- Issuer: Gela, Sicily
- Date: c. 490–475 BC
- Ruler: Under Gelon (tyrant of Gela 491–485 BC, Syracuse 485–478 BC)
- Denomination: Didrachm
- Weight: 8.33 grams
- Composition: Silver
- Reference: Jenkins #54
- Grade: NGC VF (Very Fine) Strike: 5/5 Surface: 3/5
Obverse:
- Helmeted cavalry warrior riding right, brandishing spear
- A vivid representation of Gela’s elite cavalry—reflecting Gelon’s own rise as a cavalry commander under Hippocrates
Reverse:
- Forepart of man-headed bull (river-god Gelas) facing right
- Inscription: ΓΕΛΑΣ above
- The bull symbolizes the life-giving river Gelas and the divine protection of the city
Collectibility:
This historically rich and beautifully preserved silver didrachm reflects the fusion of myth, power, and regional identity that defined early Sicilian coinage. Certified NGC VF, it is a sought-after type for collectors of archaic Greek coinage, especially those interested in Magna Graecia and the era of Gelon.
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