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23: Sicily, Kamarina, Tetradrachm

The next coin is a tetradrachm from Kamarina around 430 BC with the two diagonally set points on the rim. This reminds us how, only in Greek Sicily, the flan, or raw coin, was prepared for minting. The molten metal was poured into a multiple mould that had a groove leading the metal from mould to mould. The resulting coins were cut apart. The sprues are the result of this technical procedure and are a clear proof of authenticity. It shows the head of Herakles wearing the scalp of the Nemean Lion. Alexander the Great adopted this depiction for his imperial coinage in 335 BC. These coins have been imitated repeatedly in later years. The coin is powerfully struck, even the lions eyelashes are clearly visible. On the left we see that the die was damaged, but this does not effect the coin.