Pre-Long Beach Auction #81

Sicily, Syracuse. Second Democracy. Silver Tetradrachm (17.7g), 466-405 BC. Obverse die by Eukleidas (unsigned), reverse die signed by Eumenos. Struck ca. 415/3-405 BC. Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving galloping quadriga left; above, Nike flying right, crowning charioteer with wreath. Reverse: [ΣYPAK]OΣIO-N, head of Arethusa left; below neck truncation, signature EVMHNOV; around, four dolphins. Tudeer 19 (Vs12/Rs8); SNG ANS 256 (same dies); de Luynes 1180 (same dies); BMC 141 (same dies). Very Rare. Beautiful fine style and excellent metal, lightly toned. About Extremely Fine.
Just as the varied courts in Renaissance Italy supported artists and craftsmen in an effort to adorn their cities and outdo their rivals, the tyrants in fifth century Sicily did the same. Syracuse, being the most prosperous and powerful city in the west at this time was no exception, and with the constant need for coinage to pay for mercenaries to pursue its militaristic ambitions it is no wonder that there began a flowering of artistic expression in the city's coinage. The anonymous "Demareteion Master" and "Maestro della foglia" were followed by many fine artists such as Choirion, Euainetos, Eumenos, Exakestidas, Herakleidas, amongst others, who often proudly signed their work. These masters refined the expression in miniature of motion and life in new ways, breaking from the static molds of the Archaic period. On this coin, although the obverse die is unsigned, we can readily see the hand of the master Eukleidas, while the reverse prominently boasts the signature of Eumenos below the neck of Arethusa. Estimated Value $5,000 - 6,000