Sicily, Syracuse. AR Tetradrachm

Sicily, Syracuse. AR Tetradrachm. Circa 485–479 BC. Obv. Quadriga driven right by charioteer holding reins and kentron, Nike flying above to crown the horses. Rev. ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΟΝ, head of Arethusa right, wearing hairband and necklace, four dolphins around. 17.20 g. Boehringer 144. Attractive cabinet tone. Struck in high relief. Good very fine. Ex Dr. Busso Peus Nachf. 406 (2012), lot 53.

An imposing early classical tetradrachm from Syracuse, belonging to the fully developed Deinomenid quadriga and Arethusa series that set the standard for Sicilian coin art in the early fifth century BC. The obverse shows the racing chariot with Nike descending to crown the team, a type that alludes both to agonistic victories and to the military and political successes that elevated Syracuse to preeminence in Sicily. The engraver has rendered the horses with taut, controlled energy, while the arrangement of Nike and driver maintains a harmonious balance across the field. On the reverse, the nymph Arethusa appears in a confident early classical style, her profile framed by a simple hairband and necklace, the surrounding dolphins signalling Syracuse’s maritime power and its life bound to the sea. The high relief of the portrait and the clarity of the dolphins give the coin a distinctly sculptural quality that anticipates the later masterpieces of Kimon and Euainetos. A well preserved and attractively toned example of this important early Syracusan series, combining strong relief, fine style and an appealing old provenance.