This splendid silver decadrachm was struck in Syracuse around 405-400 BC, during the reign of the tyrant Dionysius I (406-367). The dies are signed in three places by the master engraver Kimon. It is the largest coin circulating in Sicily at that time, used for large transactions or for paying mercenaries. The decadrachms by the two master engravers Evainetos and Kimon are among the most beautiful artistic achievements in Greek numismatics. The presence of Kimon’s name on both the obverse and reverse attests to the artist’s prominence in the city of Syracuse, while the name of the tyrant Dionysius does not appear.
SICILE, SYRACUSE, Dionysios Ier (406-367), AR décadrachme, vers 405-400 av. J.-C. Estimate:
75.000,00 EUR
