| Heritage World Coin Auctions > CSNS Signature Sale 3115 | Auction date: 8 May 2024 |
| Lot number: 31004 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 (405-367 BC). AV 100 litrai or octobol (14mm, 5.79 gm, 2h). NGC Choice XF 2/5 - 4/5, flan flaw. Attic standard. Ca. 400-370 BC. ΣYPAKOΣION, head of Arethusa left, hair bound in saccos decorated with two eight-pointed stars, wearing sphendone, triple-pendant earring, and beaded necklace; eight-pointed star behind / Heracles kneeling right, both arms wrapped around neck of the Nemean lion crouching left, clawing at his leg. SNG ANS 338 (same obv. die). du Chastel 121 (same dies). HGC 2, 1275. This piece boasts a warm-toned flan complemented by bright, flashy surfaces, creating a lovely visual harmony. Ex Numismatica Ars Classica, Auction 134 (21 November 2022), lot 197; Auction World, Auction 28 (16 April 2022), lot 2006. The reverse image of Heracles strangling the Nemean Lion is a work of great power and pathos, and probably is intended to reflect the ongoing struggle between Syracuse (Heracles) and Carthage (lion) for control of Sicily. Dionysius I had just won a great victory over Carthage in 396 BC, providing the impetus for this attractive series of gold pieces. The engraver has captured the moment of maximum tension, with Heracles tightening his grip around the lion's neck and mane while it claws desperately against his legs for escape. https://coins.ha.com/itm/ancients/greek/ancients-sicily-syracuse-dionysius-i-405-367-bc-av-100-litrai-or-octobol-14mm-579-gm-2h-ngc-choice-xf-2-5/a/3115-31004.s?type=DA-DMC-CoinArchives-WorldCoins-3115-05082024 HID02906262019 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved Estimate: 15000-18000 USD |  |
