Beautiful! Sicily, Syracuse, Hieron II Imitating Ptolemy II AE Diobol

Description

Sicily, Syracuse, uncertain mint
Hieron II, Imitating an AE Diobol of Ptolemy II
Ca. 265 BC or later
Obv: "Sicilian Style" bust of Zeus right (Style B)
Rev: ΠTOΛEMAIOY BAΣIΛEΩΣ , Eagle standing left on thunderbolt, Galatian shield left, control marks ΛI beneath tail
Historically fascinating, and exemplary for the type! Smooth surfaces and a pleasing deep green patina
It is uncertain exactly why these imitative coins of Ptolemy II were struck in Sicily under Hieron II - Perhaps to cash in on the "street cred" of the large and attractive Ptolemaic bronzes, perhaps in anticipation of a joint Egypt-Sicily political alliance, or another uncertain reason. Regardless, these scarce coins are highly popular and sought-after by collectors, both for their charming style and the questions they raise.
From a Nomos large lot