275-215 B.C. Syracuse Litra Bronze Hieron II Poseidon/Trident & Dolphins NGC VF

Archimedes' Pocket Change—More Than 22 Centuries Old

Would you believe us if we told you that the titular instrument featured prominently in the 2023 blockbuster film Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, is based on a real thing? It's true! While the real device—the Antikythera mechanism—didn't have the ability to bend time and space, it is the oldest known example of an analogue computer used to predict astronomical positions and eclipses decades in advance. It was also the brainchild of Archimedes, the ancient world's greatest scientist, mathematician, physicist, astronomer, and inventor who also has a connection to this incredible coin that was struck during the golden age of Syracuse when the city was ruled by Hieron II.

A Coin Representative Of Ancient Syracuse

Struck between 275 and 215 B.C. during the reign of Hieron II, this Bronze Litra coin has a lot going for it. The Greek god Poseidon dominates the obverse where he is depicted as a virile young man with curly hair. The coin's reverse features Poseidon's trident framed on both sides by dolphins. This is a fitting design for a coin struck by Syracuse. Located on the southeast coast of Sicily, Syracuse dominated the Mediterranean for the Greeks until it fell to the Romans in 212 B.C.—a moment captured by The Dial of Destiny when Indiana Jones travels back in time and ends up in ancient Syracuse just as the Romans are laying siege to the city.

Archimedes' connection to this coin stems from the fact that not only did he spend his entire life in Syracuse, but he was also a close friend and confidant of Hieron II. Perhaps the most famous story about Archimedes involves how he determined if a golden crown made for Hieron was indeed made of pure gold. While taking a bath, Archimedes found that the crown displaced more water than a lump of gold of equal weight thus revealing that the crown was not pure gold. Upon making the discovery, Archimedes was so excited that he leapt from his bath and ran naked down the street shouting "Eureka! I have found it!" Sadly, Archimedes died during the siege of Syracuse despite orders that he should not be harmed.

Certified, Graded, And Authenticated By NGC

This 275-215 B.C. Syracuse Litra Bronze Poseidon Coin of Hieron II has been certified, graded, and authenticated by the Numismatic Guaranty Company (NGC) as being in Very Fine (VF) condition, a remarkable grade considering it was struck more than 2,200 years ago. It will also come sonically sealed in a museum-quality acrylic holder with a special Poseidon label. Quantities are limited for this piece of history from the apex of the Hellenistic Age, so add this coin to your collection now!