Lot 3251
Sicily, Syracuse. Dionysios I. Silver Decadrachm (43.2 g), 405-367 BC. Unsigned dies by Euainetos. Struck ca. 405-400 BC. 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. Gallatin dies R.J.II/O.XXI; SNG ANS 375 (same dies). Excellent metal, slight double striking and lightly toned. 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. Two master artists, Kimon and Euainetos, worked at the mint, and both sometimes signed their dies. Their styles are sufficiently distinct, however, that even on unsigned dies the hand of the engraver is readily apparent, as is the case with this coin by the artist Euainetos. Euainetos's coins were especially 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 - 40,000.
Ex Gorny & Mosch 195 (7 March 2011), 70.
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| Realized $31,725 |
