Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction XVIII 29 Sep 2019
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Sicily, Syracuse AR Dekadrachm. Time of Dionysios I, circa 405-370 BC. Reverse die signed by Euainetos. Charioteer driving galloping quadriga to left, holding kentron in right hand, reins in left; above, Nike flies to right, wreath in outstretched arms to crown charioteer; in exergue, panoply of arms on two steps: cuirass, two greaves, Phrygian helmet; horizontal spear behind, [AΘΛA] in tiny letters below / Head of nymph Arethusa to left, wearing wreath of reeds, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΩΝ behind, four dolphins around and below lowermost dolphin under neck, signature EY-AINE. Gallatin R.II/C.I (same dies); SNG ANS 362 (same dies); Dewing 874 (same dies); Gulbenkian 310 (same dies); Warren 364 (same dies). 42.14g, 37mm, 11h.
Extremely Fine; some minor surface pitting, beautiful old cabinet tone.
From a private German collection, outside of Italy prior to December 1992.
The dekadrachms of Syracuse have been called 'the admiration of the ancient and modern world' (Sir Arthur Evans), and 'perhaps the most famous of all ancient coins' (G. K. Jenkins); rightly so, for by virtue of not only their impressive size and weight, but more importantly the incredibly detailed artistry of exquisite style which they bear, they represent the zenith of cultural and numismatic technological achievement at ancient Syracuse, and are among the most beautiful coins ever struck for circulation.
Produced at the apex of Syracuse's power and glory, the dekadrachm issue began circa 405 BC, following the election of Dionysios as supreme military commander of Syracuse for his achievements in the war against Carthage, and his subsequent seizure of total power. Syracuse had only recently defeated an Athenian invasion of Sicily that resulted in the utter destruction of Athens' expeditionary force and ultimately contributed significantly to Athens' defeat at the hands of Sparta in the Peloponnesian War. Then under Dionysios in 405, despite the ruin of great cities such as Akragas and Gela, Syracuse repulsed a Carthaginian invasion that might have resulted in a complete conquest of the island. Such glory was short-lived however, as the rule of Dionysios' son and successor was to bring only civil strife that would weaken the power of Syracuse. Never again would the city issue coinage on such a grand scale, and with the cessation of tetradrachm production in c.400 BC, the dekadrachms represent the last great flourishing of classical numismatic art at Syracuse before two centuries of steady decline and eventual conquest at the hands of the Romans.
Extremely Fine; some minor surface pitting, beautiful old cabinet tone.
From a private German collection, outside of Italy prior to December 1992.
The dekadrachms of Syracuse have been called 'the admiration of the ancient and modern world' (Sir Arthur Evans), and 'perhaps the most famous of all ancient coins' (G. K. Jenkins); rightly so, for by virtue of not only their impressive size and weight, but more importantly the incredibly detailed artistry of exquisite style which they bear, they represent the zenith of cultural and numismatic technological achievement at ancient Syracuse, and are among the most beautiful coins ever struck for circulation.
Produced at the apex of Syracuse's power and glory, the dekadrachm issue began circa 405 BC, following the election of Dionysios as supreme military commander of Syracuse for his achievements in the war against Carthage, and his subsequent seizure of total power. Syracuse had only recently defeated an Athenian invasion of Sicily that resulted in the utter destruction of Athens' expeditionary force and ultimately contributed significantly to Athens' defeat at the hands of Sparta in the Peloponnesian War. Then under Dionysios in 405, despite the ruin of great cities such as Akragas and Gela, Syracuse repulsed a Carthaginian invasion that might have resulted in a complete conquest of the island. Such glory was short-lived however, as the rule of Dionysios' son and successor was to bring only civil strife that would weaken the power of Syracuse. Never again would the city issue coinage on such a grand scale, and with the cessation of tetradrachm production in c.400 BC, the dekadrachms represent the last great flourishing of classical numismatic art at Syracuse before two centuries of steady decline and eventual conquest at the hands of the Romans.