Heritage World Coin Auctions
ANA Signature Sale 3066 17 Aug 2018
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Ancients
SICILY. Syracuse. Time of Dionysius I (405-395 BC). AV 100 litrae (14mm, 5.78 gm, 11h). NGC Choice AU ★ 4/5 - 5/5, Fine Style. Struck circa 396 BC. ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΩΝ, head of Arethusa left in high classical style, hair pulled back into parallel waves along brow line, back held in sphendone decorated with stars, eight-pointed star behind head / Nude youthful Heracles kneeling to right, arms wrapped around neck of Nemean lion crouching left, his head pressed against the lion's back, the lion's claws pushing against his thigh and the ground. HGC 2, 1275. SNG ANS 330. Delicate fine style obverse and meticulous powerful reverse showcase why the Syracusan masters are considered the height of Greek coin artistry.
The reverse image of Heracles strangling the Nemean Lion is a work of great power and pathos, and probably is intended to reflect the ongoing struggle between Syracuse (Heracles) and Carthage (lion) for control of Sicily. Dionysius I had just won a great victory over Carthage in 396 BC, providing the impetus for this attractive series of gold pieces. The engraver has captured the moment of maximum tension, with Heracles tightening his grip around the lion's neck and mane while it claws desperately against his legs for escape.
HID02901242017
Estimate: 20000-30000 USD
SICILY. Syracuse. Time of Dionysius I (405-395 BC). AV 100 litrae (14mm, 5.78 gm, 11h). NGC Choice AU ★ 4/5 - 5/5, Fine Style. Struck circa 396 BC. ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΩΝ, head of Arethusa left in high classical style, hair pulled back into parallel waves along brow line, back held in sphendone decorated with stars, eight-pointed star behind head / Nude youthful Heracles kneeling to right, arms wrapped around neck of Nemean lion crouching left, his head pressed against the lion's back, the lion's claws pushing against his thigh and the ground. HGC 2, 1275. SNG ANS 330. Delicate fine style obverse and meticulous powerful reverse showcase why the Syracusan masters are considered the height of Greek coin artistry.
The reverse image of Heracles strangling the Nemean Lion is a work of great power and pathos, and probably is intended to reflect the ongoing struggle between Syracuse (Heracles) and Carthage (lion) for control of Sicily. Dionysius I had just won a great victory over Carthage in 396 BC, providing the impetus for this attractive series of gold pieces. The engraver has captured the moment of maximum tension, with Heracles tightening his grip around the lion's neck and mane while it claws desperately against his legs for escape.
HID02901242017
Estimate: 20000-30000 USD