SICILY. Syracuse. Dionysius I (405-367 BC). AV 50-decadrachms or 50-litrai (11mm, 2.93 gm, 2h). NGC MS 4/5 - 5/5. Ca. 405-400 BC. ΣYPA, head of young river god (Anapos or Assinarus?) left; grain kernel behind / Horse prancing right; star above, all within incuse square. SNG ANS 348. HGC 2, 1281 (third stater or tetrobol). Handsome and well-preserved - one of only five certified with a Mint State grade. Ex Stacks Bowers and Ponterio, Sale 164 NYINC Auction (6 January 2012), lot 115; Classical Numismatic Group, Auction 46 (24 June 1998), lot 104. Dionysius I, known as the Tyrant of Syracuse, ushered in the zenith of Syracusan power through his military conquests and authoritarian rule. Despite his cruel and despotic nature, he was a visionary who harnessed the talents of eminent artists of his era to craft a political marketing campaign, in order to enhance the city's image and prestige, striking a balance between military might and cultural promotion. His reign, although marked by ruthless governance, significantly bolstered Syracuse's standing and influence in the ancient Mediterranean landscape. HID09801242017 © 2023 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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