SICILY. Syracuse. Dionysios I, 405-367 BC. Dekadrachm (Silver, 37 mm, 41.05 g, 1 h), circa 405-400. Charioteer driving quadriga galloping to left, holding kentron in his right hand and reins in his left; above, Nike flying right, crowning the charioteer with a wreath; in exergue, on two slightly raised lines, shield, pair of greaves, cuirass and crested Attic helmet; below, [ΑΘΛΑ].
Rev. ΣΥ-ΡΑ-Κ-Ο-ΣΙΩΝ Head of Arethusa to left, wearing wreath of reeds, triple-pendant earring and pearl necklace; around, four dolphins; in field to right, scallop shell. Dewing 904-906 (
same obverse die). Gallatin R.XI/F.II. Pozzi 614 (
same obverse die). Rhousopoulos 430 (
same dies). SNG Copenhagen 691 (
same obverse die). Nicely toned. Somewhat rough and with some horn silver and cleaning scratches
, otherwise, very fine.
From the collection of Regierungsrat Dr. iur. Hans Krähenbühl, privately acquired from Bank Leu on 28 June 1972 (with a photocopy of the original invoice enclosed).