ANCIENT GREECE - GREEK Sicily, Syracuse, Denys the Elder (406-367 BC). 100 litrai (Double Golden Decadrachm), unsigned corners, in the style of Kimon ND (400-370 BC), Syracuse. Av. ΣYPAKO[ΣION]. Head of Arethusa on the left, hair in a sakkos decorated with stars, with earrings and pearl necklace. Behind the bust, letter A. Rv. Heracles kneeling on the right, strangling the Nemean lion. Rizzo LIII/12 (same corners) - SNG ANS 332 (same corners) - Berend 30 ; Gold - 5,79 g - 14,5 mm - 5 h From the Avola Treasure of 1914 (ICGH 2122) then Jameson collection, IV, n° 243 then Bank Leu AG 42 sale, 12 May 1987, n° 125 and Jean Vinchon Numismatique sale, 17 November 1990, n° 6 then 29 June 2022, n° 24 (€50,000 + costs). NGC Ch AU 5/5 4/5 Fine Style edge scuffs (8558293-001). Minimal marks on the scrolls, notably at 7 o'clock on the right. Portrait in high relief. Nice golden patina. Superb in Fleur de coin. 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 Evainetes or Kimon, 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, smothering the Nemean lion and representing 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.