Lot 3588

Description

Sicily, Syracuse, (405-395 B.C.), period of end of Second Dynasty and Dionysius I, silver litra (0.73 g), obv. Artemis-Arethusa head to left, **SURAKOSION* before, dolphin behind, dotted border, rev. octopus, (S.-, SNG ANS 293 [possibly same dies], HGC 2, 1378). Toned, good very fine, scarce.

Ex Kunker, Auction Sale 295, September 23, 2017 (lot 207); previously from the collection of Elvera Clain-Stefanelli, NAC Sale 92 (lot,1424).
Berend connects the head of Arethusa on the obverse with a tetradrachm created by the master engraves Eukleidas (Tudeer 86 and 87, obverse die 32). This present litra is therefore possibly an unsigned work by Eukleidas. It is however a small work of art of an extraordinary fine style.