#agathocle

This extremely rare gold double decadrachm of Agathocles was struck during the chaotic wars between Syracuse and Carthage around 310–304 BC. The coin reflects Agathocles’ desperate but ambitious African campaign after Carthage nearly destroyed his power in Sicily. Facing blockade and military collapse, he invaded North Africa to force the Carthaginians to retreat from Syracuse. The coin’s imagery — a portrait with an elephant scalp and a winged Athena — symbolizes military power, African conquest, and his attempt to present himself like the great Hellenistic rulers after Alexander the Great.

The main scholarly issue surrounding this coin is uncertainty about where and when it was minted. Some historians believe it was produced in Syracuse, while others think it may have been struck in North Africa during the campaign because coin dies could easily travel. Another debate concerns the portrait and symbolism: whether the image represents Africa, Alexander, or a political imitation of Ptolemy I Soter. The design closely copies Ptolemaic coinage but changes important details, suggesting Agathocles wanted to associate himself with the Diadochi and elevate his legitimacy during a period of instability and propaganda warfare.