Sicily, Syracuse. Second Democracy, 466–406 BC. AR Tetradrachm

Sicily, Syracuse. Second Democracy, 466–406 BC. AR Tetradrachm (17.33 g). Circa 430 BC.

Obv. Charioteer driving quadriga right, holding reins; above, Nike flying right to crown the horses.

Rev. Diademed head of Arethousa right, wearing sakkos; four dolphins swimming around.

Refs: HGC 2, 1319; Boehringer 650 (V329/R444).

This tetradrachm was struck during the Second Democracy at Syracuse, a period of political independence that produced some of the most admired coinage of the Classical Greek world. The obverse continues the long Syracusan tradition of the quadriga, symbolising both civic pride and success in the Olympic Games, here enlivened by a Nike crowning the victorious team.

The reverse bears the serene portrait of Arethousa, the nymph associated with the famous spring at Syracuse, framed by four dolphins representing the surrounding sea. The delicacy of the features and the restrained elegance of the design mark the transition from the early Classical to the “fine style” that would culminate in the facing-head masterpieces later in the century.

Ex. CNG Triton 1,  Dec 3 1997, Lot 323