A Very Important Series of Coins of Syracuse mostly from a Distinguished European Collector
Tetradrachm signed by Parmenides circa 405-400, AR 17.31 g. Fast quadriga, about to turn l., driven l. by charioteer holding kentron and reins; in field above, Nike flying r. to crown him (off-flan). Beneath the hooves of the foreground horse, a wheel; in exergue, barley ear l. Rev. [ΣΥ – ΡA]KOΣIΩN Head of the nymph Arethusa l., wearing ampyx and sphendone decorated with stars, triple-pendant earring and necklace. Around, three dolphins, a fourth is emerging from neck truncation. Below, ΠΑΡΜΕ. Jameson 836 (these dies). AMB 472 (these dies). SNG Lockett 976 (these dies). Boston, MFA 416 (these dies). SNG ANS 287 (these dies). Tudeer 77. Coins, Artists and Tyrants 77.h (this coin). An unusual and interesting portrait of Arethusa struck on excellent metal and with a lovely iridescent tone. Obverse, as usual for this series, from a worn die, otherwise good very fine / about extremely fine Ex NFA XXVII, 1991, 28; Triton II, 1998, 254 and NAC 77, 2014, David Walsh,14 sales.