Syracuse Sicily Decadrachm Replica | Hand-Struck Silver Coin

Why collectors buy this piece

• One of the most impressive large-format silver coins of late Classical Greece
• Issued at Syracuse under Dionysius I during a period of intense warfare and consolidation of power (405–367 BCE)
• Monumental coinage reflecting centralized authority, military ambition, and state wealth
• Celebrated for its bold, high-relief engraving of the nymph Arethusa and dynamic quadriga
• Faithfully reproduced using traditional hand-striking methods
• Each coin is intentionally irregular — like ancient originals

Best suited for collectors seeking a powerful example of late Classical Greek coinage associated with tyranny, warfare, and the assertion of state authority.

Overview & Craftsmanship

This sterling silver Syracuse Time of Dionysius I dekadrachm is a hand‑struck replica of the celebrated classical Greek issue originally struck in Syracuse, Sicily between 405–367 BC. Each piece is individually hammered in solid silver using traditional striking methods, producing irregular flans, varied relief, and surface character comparable to ancient originals.

Unlike cast or machine-pressed copies, hand-struck replicas retain the depth, texture, and individuality characteristic of ancient coinage.

Historical & Numismatic Background

• Some engravers were proud enough of their work that they would occasionally sign their dies, a practice largely restricted to the Greeks. Two names in particular, those of Euainetos and Kimon, have been preserved through the millennia by their signatures on coins, including decadrachms. An absolutely captivating specimen, this large silver issue features extremely elegant and rather bold relief, especially noticeable on the hair of Arethusa and the bodies of the horses.
• One of the largest silver denominations minted in classical antiquity, the decadrachm of Syracuse remains one of the most alluring and celebrated coins in history. The immense size of this 10 drachm denomination offered the engravers of Syracuse the scope to fully display their mastery of the medium. After a brief “trial run” in the 460s BC, the decadrachm was reintroduced in Syracuse by the tyrant Dionysius following his assumption to power in 405 BC, testament to his grandiose vision to make Syracuse the foremost city in the Greek world.
• Two of the greatest local numismatic artists, Kimon and Euainetos, produced dies for the new series, each bringing their own distinctive style to the already iconic emblems of Syracuse: A racing four-horse chariot (quadriga) backed with a head of the beautiful Arethusa, nymph of the spring of Ortygia, surrounded by frolicking dolphins. Both engravers took great pride in their designs and signed their dies, much in the manner of a modern artist; both decadrachm types also include dies that have symbols instead of a signature, perhaps indicating they were engraved by apprentices working under the masters, closely copying their work.

Numismatic References:

This replica is inspired by ancient issues documented in standard numismatic references

Technical Details & Variations

Type: Syracuse, Sicily decadrachm replica

Denomination represented: AR Decadrachm

Authority / Mint: Syracuse, Sicily

Era represented: 405-367 BC

Material: Sterling silver (AR)

Weight: approx. 40-42 gr

Dimensions: approx. 34-36 mm

Manufacturing method: Hand-struck (hammered)

Obverse: Charioteer, holding kentron in extended left hand and reins in right, driving fast quadriga left; above, Nike flying right, crowning charioteer with wreath held in her extended hands; below heavy exergual line, (military harness, shield), greaves, cuirass, and crested Attic helmet, all connected by a horizontal spear
Legend:
AΘΛA below (off flan)

Reverse: Head of Arethusa left, wearing triple-pendant earring and pearl necklace; four dolphins swimming around
Legend:
ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΩΝ (off flan)

Due to the traditional hand-striking process, variations in weight, diameter, strike, and surface are expected.

Intended Use

Suitable for:

– collectors of ancient and historical coinage

– academic or educational reference

– museum or exhibition display

– historically accurate reenactment

– high-quality numismatic gifts

Replica Disclaimer

This item is a hand-struck replica inspired by ancient coinage. It is not an original ancient coin.

Explore related historically accurate Greek coin replicas:

• See other Syracuse & Classical Greek masterpiece coin replicas
• View Roman & Greek silver coin replicas
• Learn more about the Syracuse decadrachm