A Very Important Series of Coins of Syracuse mostly from a Distinguished European Collector
Tetradrachm circa 478-475, AR 17.40 g. Slow quadriga driven r. by charioteer, holding kentron and reins; above, Nike flying r. to crown the horses. Rev. ΣV – R – AK – OΣI – [ON] Head of the nymph Arethusa r., hair bound with beaded fillet and pearl-diadem, wearing necklace; around, four dolphins swimming clockwise. SNG ANS 55 (these dies). Dewing 719 (this reverse die). Boehringer 178. Rare. A very interesting and unusual portrait of Arethusa of fine Archaic style struck on very fresh metal and with a lovely light iridescent tone. Extremely fine Ex Lanz 34, 1985, 87 ; M&M 72, 1987, Rosen, 460; Leu 81, 2001, 103, and LHS 102, 2008, 82 sales. This piece is illustrated in the book by H.B. Andersen, ”Apollo to Apollo, The hunt for the divine and eternal beauty”. From the Apollo to Apollo collection.