1084938 | GREEK. SICILY. Syracuse. Gelon, son of Hieron II. (King, before 266 BC – 216 BC). Struck 216-215 BC. AR 4 Litrae or Drachm. NGC XF✭ (Extremely Fine ✭) Strike 4/5 Surface 5/5. 3.38gm. Diadem bust, left / ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΟΙ – ΓΕΛΩΝΟΣ// BA – K. Eagle standing on lightning bolt, right. ANS 900; A.M. Burnett, "The Enna Hoard" Suisse Numismatic Review SNG 62, 57 (1983); CCO 291.2 (D5/R6 this coin); BAR Émission 67; SNG ANS 9001 (same obverse); SNG Fitzwilliam 1412 (similar).

Given the star designation by NGC for exceptional eye appeal.

Ex CNG Auction 40 (4 December 1996) Lot 924; CCO Plate Coin (M.C. Caltabiano, B. Carroccio, & E. Oteri. Siracusa ellenistica: Le monete 'regali' di Ierone II, della sua famiglia e dei Siracusani. Pelorias 2. Messina. 1997.).


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Gelo (or Gelon) was the eldest son of Hiero II, king of Syracuse, Magna Graecia. Gelo died shortly before his father, at the age of more than 50 years old. Not much is known concerning him, but he appears to have inherited the quiet and prudent character of his father. Hiero seems to have recognized him by associating him with his government and he may even have received the title of king. [Wikipedia].