Lot 4020
Sicily, Syrakuse. Dionysios I, 405-367 BC. Gold 100 Litrai or Double Dekadrachm (5.78g) struck ca. 400-370 BC. Obverse signed by the artist "A." Head of Arethusa left, her hair in ampyx and sphendone adorned with stars, wearing triple-pendant earring and necklace; before, pellet; behind, A. Reverse: Herakles, kneeling right, strangling the Nemean lion. Bérend 23; Rizzo pl. 50, 12; De Ciccio 12 A. As is the norm for this rare issue, struck from somewhat rusty dies. Extremely Fine.
Artist "A" worked concurrently with Euainetos at Syrakuse. At some time fairly soon after the dies of this coin were produced, "A" was joined by artist "K," and coins were struck with "AK" behind the head. These 100 Litrai types were issued in prodigious amounts to pay the mercenaries who swelled the armies of Dionysios. As the troops did not squirrel away their gold, but despoiled themselves of it, these coins were by and large quickly melted down, leaving few extant today.
Estimated Value $8,000 - 9,000.
Wolfen Family Foundation, purchased from Bank Leu early 1970s.
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| Realized $6,613 |
