SICILY. Syracuse. Dionysios I, 405-367 BC. Dekadrachm (Silver, 37 mm, 42.43 g, 7 h), dies by Kimon (but no visible signature due to the die break), circa 405-400. Charioteer, holding kentron in his right hand and reins with his left, driving fast quadriga to left; above, Nike flying to right, to crown driver with wreath held with both hands; in exergue, arranged on two steps, shield, cuirass between two greaves, and crested Phrygian helmet. Rev. ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΩΝ Head of Arethusa to left, wearing pendant earring, pearl necklace, and ampyx with hair bound in net; around, four dolphins. Dewing 872 ( same dies ). Jameson 1921 ( same dies ). McClean 2732 ( same dies ). Jongkees 10 (C/ι). SNG ANS 359 ( same dies ). Attractive light iridescent toning. Die breaks on reverse, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.

From a European collection, ex Gallery 51, 29 April 2015, 13.

The die break on this coin is a famous one! Coins were struck using this die despite the damages: what this means is that the mint authorities valued Kimon's work so much that they refused to replace the die when it broke (no example without the break is preserved). The magnificence of Kimon's dies is such that early modern commentators assumed that, as in the Renaissance, coins of such magnificence had to be 'medallions' designed to be presented to important personages. Alas, they were simply beautiful money to paid to mercenaries!!