Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction XXIII 24-25 Mar 2022
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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 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 [EYAI]NE. Gallatin R.IV/C.VII (same dies); Gulbenkian 313 (same dies); Dewing 883 (same dies); SNG ANS 365 (same dies); HGC 2, 1299. 42.15g, 35mm, 12h.
Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone.
Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XX, 29 October 2020, lot 80;
Acquired from Münzen & Medaillen AG Basel on 21 August 1981 (CHF 32,000), original invoice and ticket included.
Described by Cicero as "the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all" (against Verres, 2.4.52), Syracuse became the major power in Sicily during the late fifth century BC. Its political and cultural power is borne out in its enormous issues of what are undoubtedly some of the finest coinage in all of antiquity, with its influence attracting eminent artists and famous die-engravers from all across the Mediterranean. These masters brought about a stylistic revolution, breathing life into the static rigid forms of Archaic art and developing new ways of depicting motion and life on a miniature scale. While these artists were responsible for an array of magnificent classical tetradrachms, it is the dekadrachms that are now endlessly sought after by collectors, due to the exquisite and boundary-breaking artistry which their large flan size enabled.
Among the most famous of these master engravers were Kimon and Euainetos, who operated contemporaneously and who are the only two to have their signature on Syracusan dekadrachms. Euainetos' signature can be glimpsed on this example, below the neck of the supremely graceful head of the sea-nymph Arethusa, her delicate features and serene expression beautifully complemented by the curls flowing wave-like away from her face. This sense of motion carries over to the obverse in a dramatic depiction of a chariot race. An iconic motif which had evolved from sober, canonical renderings inspired by an Attic vase painting, this highly-energized engraving emphasises the thundering motion of the team of horses, their legs poised in sensationally naturalistic style. We are afforded a wonderful view of the four horses and charioteer straining forwards by the realistic, non-frontal perspective which renders the scene dynamic and lifelike. While Euainetos' authentic style powerfully engages the viewer in the race, the outcome is never in doubt: the presence of Nike, soaring in from above to crown the charioteer, shows victory is assured.
This victorious element to the Syracusan dekadrachms of Euainetos has led some to associate their introduction with a military victory, a link reinforced by the presence of armour, weaponry and the short inscription 'AΘΛA', which indicates prizes, contests or combat. A century ago, Head agreed that they were likely exceptional issues, but argued that they were "chiefly issued on special occasions or for the personal gratification of tyrants or kings, and not for common currency." However, we now know dekadrachms of both Athens and Syracuse had enduring roles in the monetary system, and those of Euainetos continued to be struck for decades, perhaps even into the 360s BC. This example is struck from one of several magnificent dekadrachm dies signed by the artist, the truncated signature EYAINE situating it after the first two dies which bear a longer mark. Their influence on Syracusan coinage was unparalleled, and the many dekadrachm types which do not bear his signature but meticulously repeat the details of Euainetos' energetic artistry are testament to the fact. Indeed, Gallatin notes that the entire series "shows a most amazing repetition of the details of the arrangement of the hair, locks and curls being slavishly repeated."
Extremely Fine; beautiful old cabinet tone.
Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction XX, 29 October 2020, lot 80;
Acquired from Münzen & Medaillen AG Basel on 21 August 1981 (CHF 32,000), original invoice and ticket included.
Described by Cicero as "the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all" (against Verres, 2.4.52), Syracuse became the major power in Sicily during the late fifth century BC. Its political and cultural power is borne out in its enormous issues of what are undoubtedly some of the finest coinage in all of antiquity, with its influence attracting eminent artists and famous die-engravers from all across the Mediterranean. These masters brought about a stylistic revolution, breathing life into the static rigid forms of Archaic art and developing new ways of depicting motion and life on a miniature scale. While these artists were responsible for an array of magnificent classical tetradrachms, it is the dekadrachms that are now endlessly sought after by collectors, due to the exquisite and boundary-breaking artistry which their large flan size enabled.
Among the most famous of these master engravers were Kimon and Euainetos, who operated contemporaneously and who are the only two to have their signature on Syracusan dekadrachms. Euainetos' signature can be glimpsed on this example, below the neck of the supremely graceful head of the sea-nymph Arethusa, her delicate features and serene expression beautifully complemented by the curls flowing wave-like away from her face. This sense of motion carries over to the obverse in a dramatic depiction of a chariot race. An iconic motif which had evolved from sober, canonical renderings inspired by an Attic vase painting, this highly-energized engraving emphasises the thundering motion of the team of horses, their legs poised in sensationally naturalistic style. We are afforded a wonderful view of the four horses and charioteer straining forwards by the realistic, non-frontal perspective which renders the scene dynamic and lifelike. While Euainetos' authentic style powerfully engages the viewer in the race, the outcome is never in doubt: the presence of Nike, soaring in from above to crown the charioteer, shows victory is assured.
This victorious element to the Syracusan dekadrachms of Euainetos has led some to associate their introduction with a military victory, a link reinforced by the presence of armour, weaponry and the short inscription 'AΘΛA', which indicates prizes, contests or combat. A century ago, Head agreed that they were likely exceptional issues, but argued that they were "chiefly issued on special occasions or for the personal gratification of tyrants or kings, and not for common currency." However, we now know dekadrachms of both Athens and Syracuse had enduring roles in the monetary system, and those of Euainetos continued to be struck for decades, perhaps even into the 360s BC. This example is struck from one of several magnificent dekadrachm dies signed by the artist, the truncated signature EYAINE situating it after the first two dies which bear a longer mark. Their influence on Syracusan coinage was unparalleled, and the many dekadrachm types which do not bear his signature but meticulously repeat the details of Euainetos' energetic artistry are testament to the fact. Indeed, Gallatin notes that the entire series "shows a most amazing repetition of the details of the arrangement of the hair, locks and curls being slavishly repeated."