Lot 6
Sicily, Syracuse, Dionysios I (405-367 BC) AR Tetradrachm, unsigned dies in the style of Eukleidas, c. 405-400 BC, 16.18g.
Auction: 23 November 2026, 10:30 GMT
Description
Charioteer, holding reins and long kentron, driving fast quadriga left, dolphin below, Nike flying left above, preparing to crown the charioteer. Rev. ΣVRAKOΣION, diademed head of Arethusa left, wearing sphendone, her hair flowing upwards, four dolphins around. (HGC 2, 1345; Tudeer 96). Good Very Fine. Splendid old collection tone.
The zenith of ancient coins, Syracuse produced countless beautiful pieces which are held in as high regard today as they were two thousand years ago. This silver tetradrachm, minted under the tyrant, Dionysios I (c. 405-367 BC) depicts the usual theme of the local nymph, Arethusa and a chariot. But this design is slightly different. Arethusa’s hair flows upwards in a unique style. This has been interpreted as a method of depicting the nymph swimming underwater. Arethusa was, after all, the water-nymph who inhabited a fresh-water spring on Ortygia, the island in the Bay of Syracuse.
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