© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
Dekadrachm - Dionysios I 400 BC - 390 BC
| Silver | 43.12 g | 35 mm |
| Issuer | Syracuse (Sicily) |
|---|---|
| Tyrant | Dionysius I the Elder (405 BC - 367 BC) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 400 BC - 390 BC |
| Value | Decadrachm (50) |
| Currency | Litra |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 43.12 g |
| Diameter | 35 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-10 |
| Numista | N#378014 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 100% |
Reverse
Head of Arethusa left, hair wreathed in barley ears, wearing triple pendant earring and beaded necklace; four dolphins swimming around, pellet below chin, four dolphins swimming around.
Script: Greek
Lettering: ΣΥ-Ρ-Α-Κ-ΟΣΙΩ
Comment
Gallatin (R.XXI/J.I); Scavino 59.
Unsigned dies in the style of Euainetos.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Dekadrachm coin from Syracuse (Sicily) is that it features a unique combination of two different artistic styles: the obverse (front) side features a portrait of Dionysios I in a classical Greek style, while the reverse (back) side features a depiction of the Greek goddess Arethusa in a more stylized, archaic manner. This blending of styles has led some numismatists to suggest that the coin may have been designed by two different artists, or that it reflects a deliberate attempt to evoke a sense of artistic tension or contrast. Regardless of the reason behind it, the result is a visually striking coin that showcases the artistic and cultural richness of ancient Syracuse.
