Sicily, Syracuse. Dionysios I. Silver Decadrachm, 405-367 BC. Ca. 405-400 BC. Reverse die signed by the master engraver Euainetos. Charioteer driving galloping quadriga left, holding kentron and reins; above, Nike flying right, crowning charioteer with wreath; below heavy exergual line, military harness, shield, greaves, cuirass, and Attic helmet, all before a horizontal spear. Reverse: Wreathed head of Arethusa left, wearing triple-pendant earring and necklace, surrounded by four dolphins; below neck truncation [EY-AIN]E. Gallatin dies R.IV/C.XI; SNG ANS 366 (same obv. die). Boldly struck in high relief. Probably cleaned long ago, a thin layer of horned silver (silver oxide) has been expertly removed, showing the details of Arethusa's hairline engraved by the master Euainetos, now a pleasing light grey. About Extremely Fine. Estimated Value $15,000 - UP
Amongst the most famous of all ancient Greek coins, the decadrachms of Syracuse were struck to finance the military ambitions of the tyrant, Dionysios I, who made Syracuse the most powerful of the western Greek city-states. The master artists Kimon and Euainetos worked at the mint, and both sometimes signed their dies. However, the styles are sufficiently distinct that even on unsigned dies the hand of the engraver can easily be determined. Euainetos's coins were especially regarded in ancient times even as they are today, and served as inspiration for the coinage of a number of other cities throughout the Greek world.
Ex NFA XXXII (June 10, 1993, lot 15).