| Heritage World Coin Auctions > CSNS Signature Sale 3115 | Auction date: 8 May 2024 |
| Lot number: 31005 Price realized: This lot is for sale in an upcoming auction - Bid on this lot  | Show similar lots on CoinArchives Find similar lots in upcoming auctions on  |
| Lot description: Ancients SICILY. Syracuse. Dionysius I (405-370 BC). AR decadrachm (33mm, 43.40 gm, 11h). NGC AU★ 5/5 - 5/5, Fine Style. Unsigned dies in the style of Euainetos, ca. 405-380/67 BC. Charioteer driving quadriga galloping left, in flowing chiton, reins in left hand, kentron in right; Nike flying right in field above to crown him, military arms, including aspis (shield), greaves, cuirass, and crested Attic helmet, all joined by horizontal spear, ΑΘΛΑ ("prizes") below all in exergue / ΣΥ-ΡΑ-ΚΟ-Σ-ΙΩΝ, head of Arethusa left, wreathed with barley, wearing triple pendant earring and beaded necklace; pellet below chin, four dolphins swimming around, dotted border. Gallatin (R.XXI/J.II). SNG ANS 375 (same dies). A simply divine coin exemplifies the peak of artistry with its contrasting serenity and dynamic action-packed reverse. The centered strike on a broad flan that accommodates the full portrait, chariot, and airborne Nike, all bathed in a soft, lustrous toning. Under the brutal but capable Tyrant Dionysius I (406-367 BC), Syracuse had become the wealthiest and most powerful city-state in the Greek world, and chose this moment to introduce the most extravagant coins yet seen -- the stunning series of signed silver decadrachms. These huge, impressive coins were struck to pay the Greek mercenaries who flooded Sicily to fight the expanding power of Carthage. The magnificent decadrachms of the master engraver Euainetos have become a paradigm for classical beauty in the 24 centuries since their creation. His Arethusa is the very ideal of feminine beauty, both human and divine, her hair interwoven with a wreath of barley ears symbolizing the agricultural bounty of Sicily. Likewise, the horses pulling his chariot seem to levitate above the ground line, perhaps preparing to draw the charioteer into the heavens themselves. https://coins.ha.com/itm/ancients/greek/ancients-sicily-syracuse-dionysius-i-405-370-bc-ar-decadrachm-33mm-4340-gm-11h-ngc-auand-9733-5/a/3115-31005.s?type=DA-DMC-CoinArchives-WorldCoins-3115-05082024 HID02906262019 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved Estimate: 60000-80000 USD |  |
