SICILY. Syracuse. Dionysius I (405-370 BC). AR decadrachm (33mm, 43.32 gm, 12h). NGC AU 4/5 - 3/5, Fine Style, light smoothing. Unsigned dies in the style of Euainetos, ca. 405-380/67 BC. Charioteer driving quadriga galloping left, in flowing chiton, reins in left hand, kentron in right; Nike flying right in field above to crown him, military arms, including aspis (shield), greaves, cuirass, and crested Attic helmet, all joined by horizontal spear, ΑΘΛΑ ("prizes") below all in exergue / ΣΥ-ΡΑ-ΚΟ-Σ-ΙΩΝ, head of Arethusa left, wreathed with barley, wearing triple pendant earring and beaded necklace; pellet below chin, four dolphins swimming around, dotted border. Gallatin (R.XXI/J.II). SNG ANS 375 (same dies). Dramatically contrasting bright high points and ashen-toned recesses beautifully showcase the high-relief details. This type is always in demand and the eye appeal of the toning will surely make this coin stand out in any collection. Under the brutal but capable Tyrant Dionysius I (406-367 BC), Syracuse had become the wealthiest and most powerful city-state in the Greek world, and chose this moment to introduce the most extravagant coins yet seen -- the stunning series of signed silver decadrachms. These huge, impressive coins were struck to pay the Greek mercenaries who flooded Sicily to fight the expanding power of Carthage. The magnificent decadrachms of the master engraver Euainetos have become a paradigm for classical beauty in the 24 centuries since their creation. His Arethusa is the very ideal of feminine beauty, both human and divine, her hair interwoven with a wreath of barley ears symbolizing the agricultural bounty of Sicily. Likewise, the horses pulling his chariot seem to levitate above the ground line, perhaps preparing to draw the charioteer into the heavens themselves. HID09801242017 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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