Lot 1725
Sicily, Syracuse. Dionysios I. Silver Decadrachm (43.14 g), 405-367 BC About EF. Ca. 405-400 BC. Reverse die signed by the master engraver Euainetos. Charioteer driving galloping quadriga left, holding kentron and reins; above, Nike flying right, crowning charioteer with wreath; in exergue, a military harness, shield, greaves, cuirass, and Attic helmet, all connected by a horizontal spear; below, AΘΛA. Reverse: ΣY-PA-KO-[ΣIΩN], wreathed head of Arethusa left, wearing triple-pendant earring and necklace; behind, scallop shell; around, four dolphins; along lower edge, [EYAINE] (off flan). Gallatin dies R.VIII/C.XIII; SNG ANS -; SNG Munich 1078 (same obv. die); BMC 175 (same obv. die). A handsome example. Boldly struck and nicely toned, light surface erosion. About Extremely Fine.
Amongst the most famous of all ancient Greek coins, the decadrachms of Syracuse were struck to finance the military ambitions of the tyrant, Dionysios I, who made Syracuse the most powerful of the western Greek city-states. The master artists Kimon and Euainetos worked at the mint, and both sometimes signed their dies. However, the styles are sufficiently distinct that even on unsigned dies the hand of the engraver can easily be determined, as is the case with this coin by the artist Euainetos which, although signed, the signature is off the flan. Euainetos's coins were highly regarded in ancient times even as they are today, and served as inspiration for the coinage of a number of other cities throughout the Greek world. Estimated Value $30,000-UP
Private purchase from Tom Cederlind; Ex M & M Sale, April 15, 1986, #161 (sold for 30,000 SFR).
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