20080329

Greece/Sikyonia; Sikyon BCE c. 330-c. 310/305


AE Dichalcon, 16 mm, 3.43 g

O: dove flying left
R: EY within wreath

GCV 2781 v, BMC 49 v, BCD Peloponnesos 305.5 v
Ex: AAH
Acquisition: 2008

The Historia Numorum speculates that the issues with the initials EY may represent the tyrant Euphron who ruled Sikyon in the period after BCE 368.
He was ousted shortly thereafter, but was reinstated in the period of c. BCE 366-365. When he visited Thebes "...he was slain on the Cadmea in front of the Hall of Council by two Sicyonian exiles who had dogged him. His assassins were tried and acquitted at Thebes, but at Sicyon his memory was cherished and he was worshipped as a second founder of the city. The fact shows that under the rule of Euphron the masses of the people were happier than under the political opponents whome he had so mercilessly treated. His son succeeded to his power." [Bury & Meiggs, A History of Greece, 4th edition, 1975; p. 375]
Based upon the estimate when this coin was minted it is possible that the date would need to be moved up, or that it could be considered a commemorative issue for Euphron, if that is indeed who it represents (?)