Dyonisos I, 406-367 BC. Silver Decadrachm 400 BC. Obv. Fast quadriga driven left by charioteer, holding reins and kentron; in field above, Nike flying right to crown him. In exergue, display of military harness set on two steps, AΘΛA below. Rev. ΣΥΡΑ-ΚΟΣΙΩΝ. Head of Arethusa left, wearing earring with pendant and beaded necklace; wavy hair bound in front with ampyx. Around three dolphins, while a fourth makes dorsal contact with neck truncation. [EY-AINE] below, signature of the engraver Euainetos. Sear 953; Gallatin C. XI/R. VII. AR. 42.70 g. VF
Minted around 400 BC, this silver decadrachm is considered the most beautiful coin of Antiquity: did the Ancients not already collect these? We know the names of two artists who created this type: Kimon and Euainetos who have left their names in the history of numismatics by not hesitating to sign their masterpieces. On the reverse the nymph Arethusa is represented, the protector of the city, surrounded by four dolphins. Its design transmits to us the beauty of the women of this period, adorned with jewels and neatly dressed hair. Above her head, we can read the name of the city. Something rarely seen on ancient coins, the engraver has signed the obverse die. The obverse evokes the military power of the city, a victorious charioteer crowned by Nike skillfully steers his quadriga of galloping stallions. At the exergue, all the hoplite's equipment is displayed: shield, cnemis, armor and helmet. Evidently a military coinage, this decadrachm is nonetheless, one of the jewels of Greek aesthetics.
We can provide an affidavit for this coin.
Ex. Lucien Mellerio collection (1879-1943), directly inherited over two generations.