★ An exceptionally attractive reverse with a particularly clear signature of Parmenides ★

SICILY. Syracuse. Dionysios I, 405-367 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 25 mm, 17.21 g, 8 h), reverse die signed by Parmenides, circa 405. Charioteer driving quadriga galloping to left, raising his right hand and holding kentron and reins in his left; above, Nike flying right, crowning the charioteer with a wreath; in exergue, grain ear left. Rev. [ΣΥΡ]ΑΚΟΣΙΩΝ Head of Arethousa to left, her hair in ampyx and sphendone decorated with stars, wearing triple-pendant earring and pearl necklace; around, four dolphins; below neck, ΠAPME. Basel 472 ( this coin ). Boston MFA 416 ( same dies ). Fischer-Bossert 77s ( this coin, O27/R49). SNG ANS 287 ( same dies ). SNG Lockett 976 ( same dies ). SNG München 1065 ( same dies ). SNG Oxford 2003 ( same dies ). Tudeer 77 (V27/R49). A beautiful, well pedigreed piece, lightly toned and with an exceptionally attractive reverse with a particularly clear signature. The obverse struck from a somewhat worn die and with a minor graffito, otherwise, good very fine.

From the T. Frisbie Collection, privately acquired from Edward J. Waddell on 30 September 2002, from the William N. Rudman Collection, Triton V, 15 January 2002, 1232 and from the collection of A. D. Moretti, Numismatica Ars Classica 13, 8 October 1998, 472.