Nomos 3

SICILY, Syracuse. Dionysios I. 405-367 BC. Dekadrachm (Silver, 43.12 g 1), An unsigned work by the engraver Kimon, c. 405-400. Quadriga galloping to left, driven by a female charioteer who leans forward, with a kentron in her right hand and the reins in her left; above left, Nike flying right to crown the driver; in exergue below, panoply of arms on pedestal inscribed with [ΑΘΛΑ]. Rev. ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΩΝ Head of Arethusa to left, her hair bound in an ampyx with a net behind, and wearing a pendant earring and a pearl necklace; around her head, four dolphins: two swimming towards each other before, one swimming downwards behind, and one nestling under the neck truncation. Jongkees 8. SNG ANS -. A very rare die combination. Beautifully toned, very well preserved, and struck on a curiously attractive oval flan. Extremely fine.

From the Mieza collection, USA. ex Gans 16, 19 April 1960, 196, and from the collection of J. P. Morgan.

This coin is quite stunning: the toning, condition and the metal quality join to produce a coin that is unquestionably a work of art on the highest level. This must have come from one of the great hoards found in the late 19th or early 20th centuries, and probably went through the hands of Jakob Hirsch, as did so many other pieces of equal importance. Even this coin’s unusual shape makes it special and adds to its appeal.