SICILY, Syracuse. Dionysios I. 405-367 BC. AR Dekadrachm (32mm, 43.09 g, 9h). Unsigned dies in the style of Kimon. Struck circa 404-400 BC. NGC photo certification 5771089-001, graded Ch XF, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5, Fine Style.

Triton XXIX
Lot: 62. Estimated: $ 40 000

Greek, Coin-in-Hand Video, Silver

Sold For $ 42 500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

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SICILY, Syracuse. Dionysios I. 405-367 BC. AR Dekadrachm (32mm, 43.09 g, 9h). Unsigned dies in the style of Kimon. Struck circa 404-400 BC. Charioteer, wearing long chiton, holding kentron in extended right hand and reins in left, driving fast quadriga left; above, Nike, wearing long chiton, flying right, crowning charioteer with wreath held in her extended hands; below heavy exergual line, [a military harness], shield, greaves, cuirass, and Attic helmet, all connected by a horizontal spear; [AΘΛA below] / Head of Arethousa left, wearing single-pendant earring and necklace, hair restrained in an open-weave sakkos and ampyx; ΣΥΡΑΚ-ΟΣΙΩ to right, four dolphins swimming around. Jongkees 12 (dies C/λ); Scavino 12 (D3/R11); Regling, Dekadrachmon 12; HGC 2, 1298; SNG ANS 360 (same dies); Bement 510 (same dies); de Luynes 1241 (same dies); Rizzo pl. L, 6 (same dies); Ward 292 (same dies). NGC photo certification 5771089-001, graded Ch XF, Strike: 4/5, Surface: 4/5, Fine Style.

Nothing is known about the personal life of the Syracusan master engraver Kimon, other than the approximate years he was active, circa 415-390 BC. The legacy of his art, however, is extensive and timeless. He worked in all the metals used for coinage – gold, silver and bronze – and left his distinctive signature (usually his full name KIMΩN or KI) on dies for denominations large and small. His unique style, the essence of classical beauty, and his attention to detail are apparent on all of his designs, whether a huge silver dekadrachm or a humble bronze fraction. All are masterpieces, but his most famous designs are his facing-head silver tetradrachm and the several dies he produced for the showcase coins of Syracuse, the immense silver dekadrachms struck circa 405-390 BC. The reverse (actually the “heads” side) of Kimon's dekadrachm design features a highly individualized portrait of Arethousa, nymph of the spring of Ortygia, clearly modeled on a contemporary Greco-Sicilian woman. The head displays little of the idealization typical of his contemporary master engraver, Euainetos, and the details vary considerably from die to die. Her hair is bound in an elaborate jeweled net and a wide hairband, or ampyx, on which is placed the engraver’s initial K; a full signature is located on the dolphin below her neck. Kimon produced only six signed Arethousa dies for the dekadrachm series; another seven dies are in his distinct style, but without signature.

The final winners of all Triton XXIX lots will be determined at the live public sale that will be held on 13-14 January 2026.

Triton XXIX – Session One – Lot 1-301 will be held Tuesday morning, 13 January 2026 beginning at 9:00 AM ET.

Winning bids are subject to a 22.5% buyer's fee for bids placed on this website and 25% for all others.

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