Numismatica Ars Classica
Auction 132 30-31 May 2022
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Syracuse
Tetradrachm signed by Euainetos and Eukleidas circa 425-413, AR 17.54 g. Fast quadriga driven r. by charioteer holding reins and kentron. Above, Nike flying l., carrying in one hand a wreath to crown him; EYAINETO on exergual line. In exergue, wheel. Rev. ΣYPAKOΣION Head of nymph Arethusa l., wearing ampyx, sphendone, earring and necklace; on the sphendone, swan and EVKΛEI. Around, four dolphins. Gulbenkian 276 (these dies). SNG ANS 266 (these dies). Tudeer 37. Coins, Artists, and Tyrants 37.
Very rare and undoubtedly the finest specimen known. A portrait of Arethusa of masterly
style and a magnificent obverse composition, the work of two talented and celebrated
master-engravers. A perfect Fdc
Privately purchased from Tkalec on 16th May 1995 and notarized as being in Switzerland prior to 2004.
It is generally agreed that the golden age of Syracusan numismatic art falls into the decades immediately following the crushing defeat of the Sicilian Expedition (415-413 BC) dispatched by Athens in the hope of conquering Syracuse. This flowering of the engraver's art at this time may have been due in large part to the plunder taken from the Athenians, which was subsequently coined for Syracusan use. Just as the metal of the coins produced in this period represented the triumph of Syracusan arms over the Athenians so too did the high artistry advertise a triumph of spirit. In this period, Syracusan die engravers experimented with the traditional quadriga and Arethusa types of their city to come up with new and vibrant creations, and, filled with pride in their work, frequently signed their dies. The present tetradrachm, signed by the artists Euainetos and Eukleidas, represents one of the very best examples of the engraver's art in this generally sublime period of coin artistry. The quadriga is given a new and dramatic appearance as it hurtles across the obverse and the broken wheels of hapless contenders lie in the exergue. The high Classical perfection of Arethusa's rendering is likewise breathtaking as is the quality of her preservation.
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Tetradrachm signed by Euainetos and Eukleidas circa 425-413, AR 17.54 g. Fast quadriga driven r. by charioteer holding reins and kentron. Above, Nike flying l., carrying in one hand a wreath to crown him; EYAINETO on exergual line. In exergue, wheel. Rev. ΣYPAKOΣION Head of nymph Arethusa l., wearing ampyx, sphendone, earring and necklace; on the sphendone, swan and EVKΛEI. Around, four dolphins. Gulbenkian 276 (these dies). SNG ANS 266 (these dies). Tudeer 37. Coins, Artists, and Tyrants 37.
Very rare and undoubtedly the finest specimen known. A portrait of Arethusa of masterly
style and a magnificent obverse composition, the work of two talented and celebrated
master-engravers. A perfect Fdc
Privately purchased from Tkalec on 16th May 1995 and notarized as being in Switzerland prior to 2004.
It is generally agreed that the golden age of Syracusan numismatic art falls into the decades immediately following the crushing defeat of the Sicilian Expedition (415-413 BC) dispatched by Athens in the hope of conquering Syracuse. This flowering of the engraver's art at this time may have been due in large part to the plunder taken from the Athenians, which was subsequently coined for Syracusan use. Just as the metal of the coins produced in this period represented the triumph of Syracusan arms over the Athenians so too did the high artistry advertise a triumph of spirit. In this period, Syracusan die engravers experimented with the traditional quadriga and Arethusa types of their city to come up with new and vibrant creations, and, filled with pride in their work, frequently signed their dies. The present tetradrachm, signed by the artists Euainetos and Eukleidas, represents one of the very best examples of the engraver's art in this generally sublime period of coin artistry. The quadriga is given a new and dramatic appearance as it hurtles across the obverse and the broken wheels of hapless contenders lie in the exergue. The high Classical perfection of Arethusa's rendering is likewise breathtaking as is the quality of her preservation.
View a video of this lot