A Very Important Series of Coins of Syracuse mostly from a Distinguished European Collector
Tetradrachm circa 430-420, AR 17.62 g. Slow quadriga driven r. by charioteer, holding kentron and reins; above Nike flying r. to crown horses. Rev. ΣVRA – ΚΟΣΙΟΝ Head of the nymph Arethusa r., wearing earring and necklace, hair waved over forehead and the rest enclosed in saccos bound with broad diadem; around, four dolphins swimming snout to snout. Rizzo pl. XXXVIII, 17 (these dies). AMB 447 (this coin). Jameson 786 (these dies). SNG ANS 204 (these dies). Boehringer 635. Very rare and among the finest specimens known of this desirable issue of superb style. An exceptionally detailed and well-accomplished portrait of Arethusa. Light iridescent tone, minor area of weakness on reverse. otherwise extremely fine Ex NAC 13, 1998, formerly exhibited at the Antike Musuem Basel, 447; NAC 72, 2013, 326 and NAC 96, 2016, America, 1022 sales. From the A.D.M. and the Money Museum of Zürich collections. The portrait of Arethusa presented on the lovely tetradrachm offered here is a far cry from the earlier stiff-featured depictions of the demi-goddess from the earlier fifth century coinage of Syracuse. Here her hair is held in place with a cloth saccos, bound tight with a broad band, and intricately decorative stitching can be seen along the front edge and at the back. A loose fold descends from the far side, hanging at the back of the neck. Despite the enclosing headpiece, tufts of hair fall from the side in waves, which are pulled back and tucked behind her ear. Arethusa wears the heavy necklace and earring she always wears, except here the earring is not in pendant form but rather a loop. The portrait is enhanced by the goddess's eye, which is well crafted and realistic, with the iris and pupil being clear and the eyelashes distinct.