| Numismatica Ars Classica > Auction 146 | Auction date: 8 May 2024 |
| Lot number: 2111 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: Syracuse. Tetradrachm signed by Eukleidas circa 405-400, AR 25 mm, 17.31 g. Fast quadriga driven l. by charioteer, holding kentron and reins; above, Nike flying r. to crown him. In exergue, dolphin to l. Rev. ΣΥ – Ρ[ΑΚΟ – ΣΙ – ΩΝ] Head of the nymph Arethusa l., hair bound with sphendone over which several tresses fly back. Around, four dolphins. Below neck truncation, EVKΛΕΙ. Rizzo pl. XLVIII, 14 (these dies). Jameson 807 (these dies). McClean 2719 and pl. 98, 8 (these dies). Dewing 855 (this obverse die). SNG ANS 295 (these dies). Tudeer 88. Coins, Artists and Tyrants 88f (this coin). Very rare and in exceptional condition for the issue, undoubtedly the finest specimen known. A portrait of superb style with an innovative design from a talented master-engraver. Perfectly struck and centred on excellent metal and with a superb old cabinet tone. Good extremely fine Ex Leu sale 76, 1999, 58. From the Käppeli and a Swiss collection. This tetradrachm represents what may be the finest known specimen of this remarkable type, which was also struck in the celebrated period of the signing artists at Syracuse. The quadriga now seems to be travelling at a slightly slower rate of speed than on the preceding coin, probably due to the fact that the second horse from the left seems to have slipped its reign and turns its head back. While this makes one wonder initially whether the charioteer will still make it to the end of the race in one piece the presence of Nike immediately removes the uncertainty. The depiction of Arethusa strikes out in a new and dramatic direction. Whereas previously the nymph of Syracuse was commonly shown with her hair bound by a taenia, sphendone, or sakkos or otherwise coiffed to hang, here she is depicted with her hair trailing upwards in curls. This most certainly does not represent the nymph with her hair spiked with some sort of ancient hair gel (she was no Celt after all!), but rather depicts her fully immersed in her watery element with her locks of hair billowing upward in the current. It is a truly triumphant image of Arethusa accompanying the surrounding dolphins beneath the water. Estimate: 50000 CHF |  |
