Syracuse
Tetradrachm circa 405, AR 17.31 g. Fast quadriga driven l. by female charioteer holding reins in l. hand and torch in raised r.; in field above, Nike flying r. to crown her. In exergue, ear of barley. Rev. [ΣΥ – ΡΑΚΟΣΙΩΝ] Head of nymph Arethusa r., hair brought up to crown of head and tied, forming a tuft of loose strands, wearing triple-pendant earring and necklace with pendant. Around, four dolphins. Rizzo pl. XLVII, 8 (these dies) and reverse enlarged pl. XIX, 6 (this die). Gulbenkian 284 (these dies). AMB 466 (these dies). Tudeer 62. SNG Lloyd 1385 (these dies). Coins, Artists and Tyrants 62c (this coin). Very rare. An interesting and unusual portrait of Arethusa of fine style and a lovely old cabinet tone. Minor traces of overstriking on reverse, otherwise good very fine / about extremely fine Ex Hess-Leu sale 28, 1965, 88. From an Exceptional Collection assembled between the early 70s and late 90s.