400 v. Chr. SICILIA (SICILY), SYRACUSE - DIONYSIOS I THE ELDER, 405-367 BC - AR Decadrachm with signed dies of Euainetos, circa 400 BC cf. NAC/ Tradart auction, JDL collection, 18 Nov. 2013, lot 281 (in xf CHF 400.000 + 18%).
cf. NAC/ Tradart auction, JDL collection, 18 Nov. 2013, lot 281 (in xf CHF 400.000 + 18%). | Abkürzungen
weight 42,09gr. | silver 34mm. The signed dies are made by the artist Euainetos. obv. Charioteer, in flowing chiton and holding goad and reins, driving racing quadriga left above, Nike flying right, about to crown charioteer with wreath in exergue, panoply of arms: cuirass between two greaves, with Phrygian helmet to right, ΑΘΛΑ below (off-flan) rev. Head of Arethusa left, wearing wreath of reeds, triple-pendant earring and necklace ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΩΝ above, Δ below chin. Around, three dolphins swimming, while a fourth makes dorsal contact with neck truncation below, EYAINE (off-flan).Rare variety with Δ on the reverse, which might refer to the value “Deka” of the coin. Only two reverse dies with the delta symbol were produced, which explain the rarity of this coin.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 in was reintroduced in Syracuse by the tyrant Dionysios 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. Both engravers took great pride in their designs and signed their dies, much in the manner of a modern artist both decadrachm types also include dies that have symbols instead of a signature, perhaps indicating they were engraved by apprentices working under the masters, closely imitating their work.
Ironically, the decadrachms of Syracuse were probably struck for the rather mundane purpose of paying mercenaries. The obverse legend ΑΘΛΑ, which means price or reward, refers to that. Most of the issues likely had a very short circulation life and were subsequently melted, accounting for their relative rarity today (this in addition to their status as high denomination coins, a factor that usually generates rarity by itself). Nonetheless, the obverse and reverse types were well known throughout the ancient world and would prove to be enormously influential on subsequent coinage, even centuries later. The portrait, in particular, was adopted by die engravers throughout the Greek world. One example is this silver stater of circa 370-360 BC from Larissa, a city of Thessaly in mainland Greece, which portrays the nymph Larissa based upon the composition of Euainetos. Today, the decadrachms of Syracuse are highly prized by collectors for their artistic beauty, historical importance, and rarity. They serve as physical reminders of the enormous talents of ancient Greek artists, the technical expertise of the minters, and the cultural achievement that it represents.
In the past the portrait on the reverse was described as that of Kore-Persephone. Nowadays we know that it must be the portrait of Arethusa. She has no wreath of corn-ears, but a wreath of reeds. In the historical centre of Syracuse, on the small island of Ortygia, there was (and is) a fresh water source. According to Greek mythology, the fresh water fountain is the place where the nymph Arethusa, the patron figure of ancient Syracuse, returned to earth′s surface after escaping from her undersea home in Arcadia. This fountain of Arthusa was in ancient times very important for the city, for the providence of drinking water. Reason enough to demonstrate her portrait on coins.
Normally the obverse is minted softly, often due to worn dies, although the thick planchet may also be a factor. But not in this case. The obverse and reverse are struck very well, showing sharp details on both sides. The coin shows some minor die rust on the reverse, but is of exceptional style. The attractive toning perfectly complements the masterful engraving of this glorious work of Greek art. A rare and impressive piece, especially in this state of preservation. A real beauty. cf. NAC/ Tradart auction, JDL collection, 18 Nov. 2013, lot 281 (in xf CHF 400.000 + 18%).
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