Greek Coinages, Syracuse: Tetradrachm, struck under the Second Democracy, c. 450

Obverse: quadriga stepping slowly right, charioteer holding reins in both hands; wreath-bearing Nike flying right above to crown horses; ketos in exergue

Reverse: συρακοσιον: head of Arethusa right, her hair bound with pearled taenia and tied in a chignon at back, wearing pendant earring and pearled necklace; framed by four dolphins around

Metal: silver; Attic weight standard; 17.48g/3h

References: Boehringer 530.2, this coin [V273/R368] = Warren 319, this coin = Woodward 96, this coin; Rizzo pl. XXXVII, 7; Ashmolean 1969

Condition: Beautifully toned, perfectly centred and very pleasing; a few light scratches on obverse, otherwise almost extremely fine £2,000-£2,600

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Phillips Family Collection of Ancient Greek Coins.

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Collection

Canon Greenwell Collection
E.P. Warren Collection
Sotheby Auction, 2 May 1905, lot 203
W.H. Woodward Collection
Bt Spink, February 1942