A remarkable Syracuse, Dionysus I is currently starring in an online coin auction, which closes on January 8.
The delicately toned silver coin, which features a starting price of $30,000 and an estimated value of $50,000, boasts a clear signature and impressive artistry.
 The coin is believed to be more than 2,400 years old |
The rare coin, which is selling online among a plethora of numismatic rarities, has been classed as "choice extremely fine" by the auctioneers presiding over the sale.
Featuring the wreathed head of Arethusa - a Nereid nymph who, according to Greek mythology, transformed into a fountain on the island of Ortygia in Syracuse, Sicily - the coin is believed to have been struck circa 400-390 BC.
Arethusa's profile is surrounded by four dolphins, underlining her symbolic relationship with water, and features a full signature below.
Coins can not only offer strong investment opportunities (with results that have rivalled postage stamps in recent years), but provide fascinating insight into ancient cultures, customs and civilisations. With an estimated 50m coin collectors underpinning the market in the US alone, it remains an area of strong liquidity.
January is set to be an exciting month for coin collectors as a rare copper example of the 1943 Lincoln cent is also to star at auction, from January 11 to 24). The record price for a copper 1943 Lincoln cent stands at $1.7m.
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