Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction XI 7 April 2016
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Sicily, Syracuse AR Tetradrachm. Time of Dionysios I, circa 405-400 BC. Charioteer, holding reins and kentron, driving galloping quadriga to left, detached chariot wheel beneath the back hooves of the horses; above, Nike flying to right, holding wreath, grain ear below double exergual lines / Head of Arethusa to left, wearing sakkos, double earring, and necklace; ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΩΝ and four swimming dolphins around. Tudeer 69 (O25/R47); Gulbenkian 288 (same dies); AMB 471 (same dies); Rizzo, pl. 47, 17 (same dies); Boston MFA 415 (same dies). 17.32g, 25mm, 2h.
Extremely Fine. Very Rare.
From the Angelo S. Collection;
Ex Dr. Patrick Tan Collection, Gemini VII, 9 January 2011, lot 164;
Ex A. Tkalec, 24 October 2003, lot 39.
Sicily in the mid-5th Century BC was riven by continual warfare between cities vying for pre-eminence and power over their neighbours, and such warfare required vast amounts of money to finance, money which the cities of Sicily had in abundance thanks to their favourable position on the Mediterranean trade routes. This constant state of war stood in contrast to a climate of state-patronized cultural experimentation and development. Great artists, sculptors and die cutters were hired to imbue their employers' cities with elegance and grandeur; the need for ready coin to pay mercenaries naturally leant itself to the die cutter's advantage. The tetradrachms provided the ideal medium on which to explore, refine and hone their art, and while the first masters such as the 'Maestro della foglia', and the unknown master who signed his work 'A' (see lot 106) remained anonymous on their coinage, their students proudly signed their works with their signatures, and thus are passed on to us the names of Exakestidas, Kimon, Euainetos and others.
Yet while the signed dies are often among the most coveted by collectors, many of the finest dies were left unsigned – as was the case with the present piece, which though lacking a signature is nonetheless an excellent example of the very best numismatic art of the period.
Extremely Fine. Very Rare.
From the Angelo S. Collection;
Ex Dr. Patrick Tan Collection, Gemini VII, 9 January 2011, lot 164;
Ex A. Tkalec, 24 October 2003, lot 39.
Sicily in the mid-5th Century BC was riven by continual warfare between cities vying for pre-eminence and power over their neighbours, and such warfare required vast amounts of money to finance, money which the cities of Sicily had in abundance thanks to their favourable position on the Mediterranean trade routes. This constant state of war stood in contrast to a climate of state-patronized cultural experimentation and development. Great artists, sculptors and die cutters were hired to imbue their employers' cities with elegance and grandeur; the need for ready coin to pay mercenaries naturally leant itself to the die cutter's advantage. The tetradrachms provided the ideal medium on which to explore, refine and hone their art, and while the first masters such as the 'Maestro della foglia', and the unknown master who signed his work 'A' (see lot 106) remained anonymous on their coinage, their students proudly signed their works with their signatures, and thus are passed on to us the names of Exakestidas, Kimon, Euainetos and others.
Yet while the signed dies are often among the most coveted by collectors, many of the finest dies were left unsigned – as was the case with the present piece, which though lacking a signature is nonetheless an excellent example of the very best numismatic art of the period.