Lot 4019
Sicily, Syrakuse. Gold 100 Litrai or Double Dekadrachm (5.8g) struck ca. 405-400 BC. ΣYPAKOΣIΩN. Head of Arethusa left, her hair bound in sphendone adorned with stars, wearing triple-pendant earring and beaded necklace; to right, pellet. Reverse: Youthful Herakles kneeling right, strangling Nemean lion. SNG ANS 326; Berend 13; de Ciccio 51. Extremely Fine.
This charming gold 100-litrai piece of the early fourth century BC dates to the time of the Syrakusan tyrant Dionysios I. The female head, presumably representing the fountain nymph Arethusa, is similar to that appearing on the medallic silver decadrachms engraved by the artist Kimon, and some specimens do bear the abbreviated signatures of Kimon and Euainetos. The reverse type of Herakles grappling with the Nemean lion is probably symbolic of Dorian Syrakuse acting as the champion of the Hellenic cause against the barbarian aggression of the Carthaginians.
Estimated Value $10,000 - 13,000.
The Hunter Collection.
|
| |
| Realized $24,150 |
