SICILY. Syracuse. Dionysios I, 405-367 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 30 mm, 17.10 g, 6 h), signed by Κ... on the reverse, c. 405-400. Charioteer standing left and holding the reins in both hands and the kentron in his right, driving quadriga galloping to left; below, under the horses' hooves, one dangling rein and a wheel fallen from another chariot; in exergue, ear of barley to left; above, Nike flying right to crown the driver. Rev. ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙ - ΩΝ Head of Arethusa to right, wearing double-spiral earring and necklace with nine pearl-shaped pendants, and with her hair bound up by an ampyx in front and sphendone ornamented with stars and a zigzag pattern behind; to right, two dolphins swimming downwards to left; behind, two dolphins swimming downwards to right, one swimming out from behind Arethusa's neck; behind neck, and between the dolphins, miniature retrograde Κ. Basel 470 (same dies). Fischer-Bossert/Tudeer 68 A (O25/R42). Gulbenkian 287 (same dies). Rizzo pl. XLVII, 12 (same dies). Very rare and of superb quality, probably the finest of less than eight examples known. Some very minor striking faults, some dark patina, and with the start of the die break on Arethusa's forehead, otherwise, good extremely fine.
Hammer Price: Unsold
Estimate: 150000 CHF