Roma Numismatics

Auction XX  –  29 - 30 October 2020

Roma Numismatics, Auction XX

The G.T. Collection of the Twelve Caesars, Celtic, Greek, Roman, Byzantine an...

Part 1: Th, 29.10.2020, from 11:00 AM CET
Part 2: Fr, 30.10.2020, from 11:00 AM CET
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Description

★ Incredible Metal Quality ★

Sicily, Syracuse AR Dekadrachm. Time of Dionysios I, circa 405-370 BC. Charioteer driving galloping quadriga to left, holding kentron in right hand, reins in left; above, Nike flies to right, a wreath in her outstretched arms to crown the charioteer; in the exergue, a panoply of arms is set on two steps: a cuirass, two greaves, and a Phrygian helmet / Head of the nymph Arethusa to left, wearing a reed wreath, triple-pendant earring, and a pearl necklace; below her chin, a pellet, ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΩΝ behind, four dolphins playing around her. Gallatin XXI-G.I (same dies); Dewing Coll. 920; SNG Delepierre pl. 17, 68; HGC 2, 1299. 43.46g, 34mm, 11h.

Near Mint State; in spectacular state of preservation with wondrously lustrous metal, two hairline metal flaws on reverse from minting, featuring remarkably detailed and attractive Nike and horses.

From the Long Valley River Collection;
Ex Roma Numismatics Ltd., Auction VII, 22 March 2014, lot 166;
Ex James Howard (1937-2009) Collection, purchased from Schweizerische Kreditanstalt (Crédit Suisse), Bern in 1982.

The dekadrachms of Syracuse have been called “the admiration of the ancient and modern world” (Sir Arthur Evans, ‘Syracusan Medallions and their Engravers’ [NC 1891, p. 205]), and “perhaps the most famous of all ancient coins” (G.K. Jenkins, ‘Ancient Greek Coins’ [London, 1972]); rightly so, for by virtue of not only their impressive size and weight, but more importantly the incredibly detailed artistry of exquisite style which they bear, they represent the zenith of cultural and numismatic technological achievement at ancient Syracuse, and are among the most beautiful coins ever struck for circulation.

Produced at the apex of Syracuse’s power and glory, the dekadrachm issue began circa 405 BC, following the election of Dionysios as supreme military commander of Syracuse for his achievements in the war against Carthage, and his subsequent seizure of total power. Syracuse had only recently defeated an Athenian invasion of Sicily that resulted in the utter destruction of Athens’ expeditionary force and ultimately contributed significantly to Athens’ defeat at the hands of Sparta in the Peloponnesian War. Then under Dionysios in 405, despite the ruin of great cities such as Akragas and Gela, Syracuse repulsed a Carthaginian invasion that might have resulted in a complete conquest of the island. Such glory was short-lived however, as the rule of Dionysios’ son and successor was to bring only civil strife that would weaken the power of Syracuse. Never again would the city issue coinage on such a grand scale, and with the cessation of tetradrachm production in c.400 BC, the dekadrachms represent the last great flourishing of classical numismatic art at Syracuse before two centuries of steady decline and eventual conquest at the hands of the Romans.

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Price realized 38'000 GBP
Starting price 18'000 GBP
Estimate 30'000 GBP
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