Sicily, Dionysios I, Decadrachm
405-400 BC - Syracuse - Unsigned work by Kimon
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Sicily, Syracuse, Decadrachm, Dionysios I (432-367 BC), 405-400 BC, Unsigned work by Kimon, SNG Ashmolean:2023 (these dies). From the Mieza and J.P.
Morgan collections.
Fast quadriga driven left by charioteer leaning forward with kentron in right hand and holding reins in left; above, Nike flying right to crown charioter. Below exergual line, display of military harness set on two steps: shield and crested helmet, cuirass between graves. Below the cuirass, [AΘΛA]
Head of Arethusa left, wearing earring with pendant and beaded necklace; wavy hair bound in front with ampyx and caught up behind by net. Around, four dolphins swimming, the second makes dorsal contact with neck truncation.
An extremely rare specimen of the Syracuse decadrachms, in an excellent state of preservation and with a splendid high relief! And with a magnificent cabinet patina! We notice a flan default when is coin was struck, at the level on the lower-left dolphin. 12h. The engraving on this coin is extremely fine and precise, with the superb quadriga on the observe and the horses appearing very elegant, as well as the portrait of Arethusa, the protective divinity of the city of Syracuse, whose features have been magnified by the engraver through her face and hairstyle. One of the most important silver denominations in the Greek world, this specimen appears to be the creation of the engraver Kimon, active in Syracuse at the very end of the 5th century BC during the reign of the tyrant Dionysus I. While some engravers signed their work directly but discreetly, notably Evainetes, who was active at the same period and signed a panel worn by Nike, Kimon did not do so here. Researchers have managed to identify Kimon's style despite this lack of signature, and have also attempted to attribute the issue of these exceptional coins to a specific event, as it was extremely rare to strike such denominations for a Greek city. While the occasion cannot be clearly determined, it is fairly clear that it is linked to a military event, the weapons present in the exergue seem to be a figuration of this, accompanied by "AΘΛA", a word that refers to the lexicon of combat, of fighting in ancient Greek. This association recalls a well-known practice, when the Greeks dedicated their military equipment to the gods following military victories by engraving them. Lastly, it should be emphasised that these denominations were issued on exceptional occasions by Greek cities, for very important projects that required a very substantial contribution of funds, such as the construction or renovation of public buildings, the purchase of goods or military funding. This coin has both pecuniary and historical value of the highest significance. SNG Ashmolean 2023 (these dies); Regling 8. Jongkees 8; SNG Lloyd 517 (same dies); Boston MFA 434 (same dies); Pozzi 611 (same dies). Pedigree: Ex Gans 16, 19 April 1960, 196; Nomos AG, Auction 3, 10 May 2011, lot 30.. From the Mieza and J.P. Morgan collections
[AΘΛA]
ΣYR – AKOΣIΩN
43.12 gr
Silver
Silver can fall into your pocket but also falls between copper and gold in group 11 of the periodic table. Three metals frequently used to mint coins. There are two good reasons for using silver: it is a precious metal and oxidizes little upon contact with air. Two advantages not to be taken for granted.
Here is thus a metal that won’t vanish into thin air.
It’s chemical symbol Ag is derived from the Latin word for silver (argentum), compare Ancient Greek ἄργυρος (árgyros). Silver has a white, shiny appearance and, to add a little bit of esotericism or polytheism to the mix, is traditionally dedicated to the Moon or the goddess Artemis (Diana to the Romans).
As a precious metal, just like gold, silver is used to mint coins with an intrinsic value, meaning their value is constituted by the material of which they are made. It should be noted that small quantities of other metals are frequently added to silver to make it harder, as it is naturally very malleable (you can’t have everything) and thus wears away rapidly.
The first silver coins probably date back to the end of the 7th century BC and were struck on the Greek island of Aegina. These little beauties can be recognized by the turtle featured on the reverse.
The patina of silver ranges from gray to black.
The millesimal fineness (or alloy) of a coin indicates the exact proportion (in parts per thousand) of silver included in the composition. We thus speak, for example, of 999‰ silver or 999 parts of silver per 1 part of other metals. This measure is important for investment coins such as bullion. In France, it was expressed in carats until 1995.
An “AU(50-53)” quality
As in numismatics, it is important that the state of conservation of an item be carefully evaluated before it is offered to a discerning collector with a keen eye.
This initially obscure acronym comprising two words describing the state of conservation is explained clearly here:
About Uncirculated(50-53)
This means – more prosaically – that the coin has circulated well from hand to hand and pocket to pocket but the impact on its wear remains limited: the coins displays sharp detailing and little sign of being circulated. The number (50-53) indicates that at least half of the original luster remains. Closer examination with the naked eye reveals minor scratches or nicks.
You might be wondering why there are different ranges of numbers behind the same abbreviation. Well, we’ll explain:
The numbers are subdivisions within a category, showing that the state of conversation is the same but coins may be at the higher or lower end of the scale. In the case of AU, the range (55-58) indicates that the luster is better preserved in than a similar coin described as (50-53).
