Stack's Bowers & Ponterio
January 2021 Auction 15-16 Jan 2021
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SICILY. Syracuse. Dionysios I, 406-367 B.C. AR Dekadrachm (42.60 gms), Reverse die signed by Euainetos, ca. 405-390 B.C. NGC Ch EF, Strike: 4/5 Surface: 4/5. Fine Style.
Gallatin dies-R.VII/C.XIV; de Luynes-1249; SNG Cop-690; Dewing-896 (all from same dies); HGC-2, 1299. Obverse: Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving quadriga left; above, crowning Nike flying right; below heavy exergual line, military harness, shield, greaves, cuirass, and crested Attic helmet, all connected by a horizontal spear; Reverse: Head of Arethousa left, wearing grain wreath, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; four dolphins swimming around, ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΩΝ above, and EYAINE along lower edge (the last two only partially visible on the flan). One of the iconic coins from antiquity, this hefty silver emission has been rendered by one of the more refined hands of the entire classical world, and features his signature (if only a partial one) below the magnificently engraved head of Arethousa. While many of these dekadrachms can be plagued by off-centering, heavily porous surfaces, a higher degree of wear, or just an overall "unattractive" appearance, this example delivers on all bullet points, and offers exactly what one seeking out a superb representation would desire. The strike is well centered, the toning creates the flair of an old-time cabinet, the metal quality remains unaffected by the passing of two-and-a-half millennia, and the artistry is exactly what can be expected from the skillful Euaintetos. RARELY encountered so majestic and well presented, and assuredly a great opportunity for the savvy collector to add a keystone piece to their classical collection.
Gallatin dies-R.VII/C.XIV; de Luynes-1249; SNG Cop-690; Dewing-896 (all from same dies); HGC-2, 1299. Obverse: Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving quadriga left; above, crowning Nike flying right; below heavy exergual line, military harness, shield, greaves, cuirass, and crested Attic helmet, all connected by a horizontal spear; Reverse: Head of Arethousa left, wearing grain wreath, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; four dolphins swimming around, ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΩΝ above, and EYAINE along lower edge (the last two only partially visible on the flan). One of the iconic coins from antiquity, this hefty silver emission has been rendered by one of the more refined hands of the entire classical world, and features his signature (if only a partial one) below the magnificently engraved head of Arethousa. While many of these dekadrachms can be plagued by off-centering, heavily porous surfaces, a higher degree of wear, or just an overall "unattractive" appearance, this example delivers on all bullet points, and offers exactly what one seeking out a superb representation would desire. The strike is well centered, the toning creates the flair of an old-time cabinet, the metal quality remains unaffected by the passing of two-and-a-half millennia, and the artistry is exactly what can be expected from the skillful Euaintetos. RARELY encountered so majestic and well presented, and assuredly a great opportunity for the savvy collector to add a keystone piece to their classical collection.
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Ex: Gemini II (1/2006) Lot # 38.
Estimate: $30000.00- $50000.00