ANCIENT GREECE - GREEK Sicily, Syracuse, Denys the Elder (406-367 BC). 100 litrai (Double golden decadrachm) ND (400-370 BC), Syracuse. Av. ΣYPAKOΣION. Head of Arethusa left, hair in a sakkos decorated with stars, with earrings and pearl necklace. Around the bust, a besant in front and one behind. Rv. Heracles kneeling right, strangling the Nemean lion. SNG Lloyd 1421 - SNG ANS 327-328 - Berend 14; Gold - 5.79 g - 15 mm - 2 h From a Hirsch XV sale, 1957, No. 813 then Greek coin collection, Hirsch Nachf. 196 sale, No. 16 and Hirsch Nachf. 198, 1998, No. 84. NGC AU 5/5 3/5 Fine style (8583608-001). Very good centering with the type and especially the complete legend on the right. Beautiful reliefs with only minimal flats on the upper parts. Pleasant golden patina. Superb. The 100 litrai coins of Syracuse, worth a double decadrachm, are among the finest Greek gold coins ever produced. They are close to the decadrachms signed by Kimon or Evainetes, our example being in the style of the latter. The gold used could have come from the treasure of the Persian satrap Pharnabazus brought back in 409-408 BC by Hermocrates, whose daughter married Dionysius the Elder, or from the 300 talents ransom obtained from the Carthaginian general Himilko after his failed siege of Syracuse in 397-396 BC. On the right, the head of Arethusa is in the finest style. She is wearing her jewels and her remarkable hair is held back by a sakkos decorated with stars. The reverse depicts the first of Hercules' labours, choking the Nemean lion, an allegory of the wars with Carthage. Heracles, the hero and ancestor of Syracuse, defends the Greeks by defeating the lion, the symbol of Africa and Carthage. * Following Council Directive (EU) 2022/542 of April 5, 2022, implemented in national law from 01/01/2025, buyers from within the EU have to pay 5.5% VAT on the hammer price of this lot. * Following Council Directive (EU) 2022/542 of April 5, 2022, implemented in national law from 01/01/2025, buyers from within the EU have to pay 5.5% VAT on the hammer price of this lot.