Sicily, Syracuse. AR Tetradrachm

Sicily, Syracuse. AR Tetradrachm, circa 460–440 BC. Obv. Slow quadriga driven right by charioteer; above, Nike flying right to crown the horses; in exergue, sea monster right. Rev. ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΟΝ, diademed head of the nymph Arethusa right; four dolphins surrounding. 25 mm, 17.20 g. de Nanteuil 336; Boehringer 514. Old cabinet tone. Very fine. Ex Vinchon, 13 April 1985, lot 123.

This handsome mid-fifth century tetradrachm belongs to the transitional Syracusan series that bridges the archaic and early classical styles. The obverse features a slow quadriga, a dignified and stately counterpart to the more frenetic racing scenes of later decades. Nike crowns the team in a gesture of divine favour, while the sea monster in the exergue adds a distinctive maritime flourish, underscoring Syracuse’s power and identity as an island city. The reverse offers a refined and harmonious portrait of Arethusa, the nymph of the famous Ortygia spring, rendered here in a diadem and surrounded by four dolphins. Her features are more naturalistically modelled than in earlier issues, reflecting the evolving tastes of the period and the growing sophistication of Syracusan die engravers. The dolphins, emblematic of the city’s relationship with the sea, enhance the composition and create a balanced, circular rhythm around her head. An appealing and well-toned example of a classic Syracusan type, combining graceful artistry with a long-standing provenance.