Lot 4825

Description

Sicily, Syracuse, (400-370 B.C.), silver decadrachm by Euainetos, (41.58 g), obv. charioteer driving fast quadriga left, Nike flying above holding fillet, armour and helmet on steps in exergue, rev. head of Artemis-Arethusa to left, surrounded by four dolphins, cockle shell behind neck, traces of legend above and below of EY AINE, (cf.S.953, Gallatin dies C.VI/III, BMC 178 [same dies], Cahn Sale 75, May 30, 1932 [lot 198, This Coin, illustrated]). Has been mounted on edge by having the soldered mount removed, otherwise attractive and evenly worn by the wearer, fine/nearly very fine and very rare.

Ex Noble Numismatics Sale 56 (lot 1790) for $5100, previously from the Adolph E. Cahn Frankfurt Auction Sale No. 75 May 30, 1932, (lot 198) where it is Illustrated, subsequently sold in Glendinnings (lot 147), October 5, 1987, (sold for œ820 + 11.5%), and purchased privately from Empire Coins (Dennis Kroh), USA, after the sale, for œ1200 nett.
One of the most celebrated and admired coins of Antiquity, Euainetos' Dekadrachm was extensively imitated by the engravers of many other mints in the Greek world. A similar specimen in similar state of wear from unsigned dies Superior Stamp & Coin Co. June 17-23 1974, realised US $7900 (described as VF) lot 147 (Dies CXI/VII).