SICILY, Syracuse. 405-400 BC. AR dekadrachm (43,21 g). Unsigned dies in the style of Euainetos. Struck under Dionysios I. Fast quadriga driving left, driver crowned by Nike flying right, above; Cuirass, shield, greaves and helmet in exergue / ΣYPAKOΣIΩN, Head of Arethousa left, wreathed with reeds; schallop shell to right behind neck; four dolphins around. A spectacular coin of fine style. Lightly toned. Some edge marks and with minor die rust.
Referanse:
Gallatin dies R.XI/E.I
Referanse 2:
SNG ANS 372 (same dies)
Proveniens:
Ex. Classical Numismatic Group 94, lot 122. September 18th, 2013. Ex. Clearwarter Collection. . Between 405-390 BC, during the reign of Dionysios I, the large silver dekadrachm was reintroduced decades after the short trial issue under Demareiteion in the 460s BC. Dionysios entrusted the local master engravers Kimon and Euainetos to make the dies and the skilled masters produced highly advanced and artistic masterpieces that would inspire many die engravers in the ancient greek world. The dekadrachms of Kimon and Euainetos are among the most celebrated coins from antiquity and some reckon them as the most beautiful coins of all time. The decadrachms also reflect of the immense wealth and power that Syracuse experienced during the reign of Dionysios I. They defeated Carthage several times, built the most powerful navy in the Mediterranean and took control of large parts of Southern Italy.
