Lot 44
Sicily, Syracuse AR Decadrachm / Dekadrachm. Time of Dionysios I, circa 405-370 BC. In the style of Euainetos. Charioteer driving galloping quadriga to left, holding kentron in right hand, reins in left; above, Nike flying to right, wreath in outstretched arms to crown charioteer; in exergue, panoply of arms on two steps: cuirass, two greaves, Phrygian helmet; horizontal spear behind / Head of Arethusa to left, wearing wreath of reeds, triple-pendant earring, and pearl necklace; partial inscription above, dolphin behind head (others probably originally on die), scallop shell with seven ridges just above dolphin. Size: 33mm with a weight of 43 grams.
Several examples of this exquisite coin have sold over the last 5 years with examples selling into the six figures. The closest example; Roma Numismatics Ltd > Auction XXVIII Auction date: 5 July 20, Lot number: 130. Price realized: 42,000 GBP (Approx. 53,408 US)
Per Roma Numismatics "Described by Cicero as "the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all" (In Verrem, 2.4.52), Syracuse became the major power in Sicily during the late fifth century BC. Its political and cultural power is borne out in its enormous issues of what are undoubtedly some of the finest coinage in all of antiquity, with its influence attracting eminent artists and famous die-engravers from all across the Mediterranean. These masters brought about a stylistic revolution, breathing life into the static rigid forms of Archaic art and developing new ways of depicting motion and life on a miniature scale. While these artists were responsible for an array of magnificent classical tetradrachms, it is the dekadrachms that are now endlessly sought after by collectors, due to the exquisite and boundary-breaking artistry which their large flan size enabled. This coin bears the supremely graceful head of the sea-nymph Arethusa, her delicate features and serene expression beautifully complemented by the curls flowing wave-like away from her face. This sense of motion carries over to the obverse in a dramatic depiction of a chariot race. An iconic motif which had evolved from sober, canonical renderings inspired by an Attic vase painting, this highly-energized engraving emphasizes the thundering motion of the team of horses, their legs poised in sensationally naturalistic style. We are afforded a wonderful view of the four horses and charioteer straining forwards by the realistic, non-frontal perspective which renders the scene dynamic and lifelike. While the die engraver's authentic style powerfully engages the viewer in the race, the outcome is never in doubt: the presence of Nike, soaring in from above to crown the charioteer, shows victory is assured."
Provenance: private Tacoma, Washington, USA collection, acquired from Malter Galleries, Encino, California, USA, July 8, 2009
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#181107
- Condition: A wonderful, powerful coin, slightly mis-struck example with pleasant toning in about VF condition.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $299 | $25 |
| $300 | $999 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $1,999 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $4,999 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $9,999 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $19,999 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $49,999 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $99,999 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $199,999 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 + | $20,000 |