SyracuseArchaicTetradrachm

AR Sicily, Syracuse Tetradrachm 460 B.C. (17.31g, 25mm) O: Charioteer wearing long chiton drives slow quadriga r.; he holds two reins in each hand and goad in r. hand; flying Nike crowns the lead horse with a wreath; sea monster r. in exergue (indicates minted in immediate post-tyrant period). A small pellet under horse’s abdomen was probably a centering device for the compass of the engraver. Boehringer 480 (dies). R: Head of Arethusa r.; she wears pearl diadem, circular pendant earring and pearl necklace; the eye is shown in three-quarter view; four dolphins around. SYRAKOSION. G: “Irregular, but natural, flan. Incredible needle sharp detail such as the eyelashes on both lids of Arethusa. Light toning over luster.” Mint State. S: Edward J. Waddell, Ltd. Online Auction “Distinguished Greek Collection”, lot 9, 2/26/07.