Ancient Stars
Syracuse, Sicily - Hieron II- Poseidon

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NGC-rated "FINE STYLE". The coin features a fictionalized profile of Poseidon on the obverse, and his mighty trident flanked by two dolphins on the reverse. Poseidon was one of the twelve Olympian deities in Greek mythology (aka Neptune in Roman myth). He was called the "God of the Sea" because his main domain was the ocean, but also "Earth Shaker" because he caused earthquakes and tidal waves (from striking the earth in anger with his trident), and terrible sea storms (from stirring his trident). In Greek myth, Poseidon used his trident to create water sources and to create horses (he was also known as "tamer of horses"). He is usually depicted as an older male with curly hair and a beard. Many ancient cities depicted Poseidon on their coinage to ensure the God looked favorably on their seafarers.