Sicily

Hieron I (or possibly Thrasybulos), Tyrant of Syracuse 467-465 BC

Boehringer 408 (V211/R288),  Mint State

Charioteer driving walking quadriga right, holding kentron and reins; Nike above, flying right, crowning horses, ketos to right in exergue. Rev. Head of Arethusa right, wearing earring and necklace, hair tied with pearl headband; four dolphins around.

This tyrant was the brother of Gelon who cleared out neighboring Naxos and greatly increased Syracuse’s power, defeating the Carthaginians at the Battle of Cumae in 474 BC. He was the first ruler ever to create a secret police force, and he was a noted athlete and patron of the performing arts. He won the chariot races at Delphi in 470 BC and at Olympia in 468 BC, which may have influenced the design of this coin.