1085365 | GREEK. SICILY. Syracuse. Dionysios I. (Tyrant, 407-367 BC). Struck c. 405-400 BC. AR Decadrachm. NGC VF (Very Fine) Strike 4/5 Surface 5/5 Fine Style. Dies by Kimon (unsigned). 31.5mm. 43.12gm. Charioteer, holding kentron in extended right hand and reins in left, driving fast quadriga left; above, Nike flying right, crowning charioteer with wreath held in her extended hands; below heavy exergual line, [military harness], shield, greaves, cuirass, and crested Attic helmet, all connected by a horizontal spear / Head of Arethousa left, wearing wreath of grain ears, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; four dolphins swimming around. Jongkees 8; SNG ANS 360; Gulbenkian 309; HGC 1298.

One of the largest silver denominations minted in classical antiquity, the decadrachm of Syracuse remains one of the most alluring and celebrated coins in history. The immense size of this 10 drachm denomination offered the engravers of Syracuse the scope to fully display their mastery of the medium. After a brief "trial run" in the 460s BC, the decadrachm was reintroduced in Syracuse by the tyrant Dionysius following his assumption to power in 405 BC, testament to his grandiose vision to make Syracuse the foremost city in the Greek world. Two of the greatest local numismatic artists, Kimon and Euainetos, produced dies for the new series, each bringing their own distinctive style to the already iconic emblems of Syracuse: A racing four-horse chariot (quadriga) backed with a head of the beautiful Arethusa, nymph of the spring of Ortygia, surrounded by frolicking dolphins.

Ex SBV Auction 41, Zürich (September 1996) Lot 19.


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