ANCIENT COINS. GREEK. Sicily, Syracuse (second Democracy, 466-405 B.C.), Silver Tetradrachm, 17.28g, 9h. Obverse die signed by the artist Euainetos and the reverse die signed by the artist Eukleidas. Struck c.415-405 B.C. Charioteer, wearing a long chiton and holding a kentron and the reins, driving a fast quadriga right, Nike flies above to left to crown the charioteer, a chariot wheel in the exergue, EYAINETO (only partially visible) on the exergual line. Rev. [ΣYPAKOΣIOΣ], head of Arethusa facing left, her hair bound by an ampyx, and wearing an earring and necklace, four dolphins swimming around, EYKΛEI in tiny letters on the lower band of the ampyx (Tudeer 37 (V12/R23); BMC 190 (these dies); SNG ANS 266 (these dies); Boston 404 (these dies); Jameson 802 (these dies)). Beautiful style, the work of two master engravers, the signature of Euainetos, not often visible on this issue, can be partially seen on the exergual line, nearly extremely fine.
Ex Hess-Leu, Lucerne, 16 April 1957, lot 108
Ex Numismatica Ars Classica, Auction 23, Zurich, 19 March 2003, lot 1129
Estimate: $9,000