SICILY. Syracuse. Second Democracy, 466-405 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 26 mm, 17.10 g, 2 h), dies signed by Euainetos, circa 415-413. Charioteer driving quadriga galloping to right, holding kentron in his right hand and reins in his left; above, Nike flying left, holding in her hands a wreath and a tablet bearing the signature EYAIN/ETO; in exergue, two dolphins facing each other.
Rev. ΣYPAKOΣIΩN Head of Arethusa to left, wearing hook earring and pearl necklace and with her hair bound by an ampyx in the front and a sphendone ornamented with three stars in the back; before and behind, two pairs of dolphins facing each other; on the belly of the dolphin swimming upward before Arethusa's mouth, EYAI. BMFA 407 (
same dies). Fischer-Bossert, Coins 42 = Tudeer 42 (O14/R24). Franke-Hirmer pl. 33, 101 (
same dies). Gulbenkian 277 (
same dies). Very rare. A splendid example in the finest early style of Euainetos, with both signatures clearly legible and a magnificent reverse. The obverse struck slightly off center and somewhat rough, and with some minor scratches on the reverse
, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.
From the collection of Regierungsrat Dr. iur. Hans Krähenbühl, privately acquired from Münzen & Medaillen AG on 30 March 1979 (with photocopies of the original invoice and correspondence between Dr. Herbert A. Cahn and Dr. Hans Krähenbühl regarding the acquisition of this coin enclosed).