Sicily, Syracuse. AR Tetradrachm, circa 450–400 BC.

Sicily, Syracuse. AR Tetradrachm, circa 450–400 BC. Obv. Charioteer driving slow quadriga right, holding kentron in right hand and reins in both; above, Nike flying right to crown the horses; in exergue, ketos right. Rev. ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΟΝ, head of the nymph Arethusa right, wearing pearl taenia, earrings and necklace; four dolphins around. 25 mm, 17.33 g. de Luynes 1176; Boehringer 521. Light iridescent tone. Good very fine to about extremely fine. Ex Gemini I (2005), lot 40; Roma Numismatics II (2011), lot 202.

This handsome classical tetradrachm forms part of the mature Syracusan series in which the traditional quadriga and Arethusa types attain their most balanced and elegant expression. The slow quadriga conveys solemn dignity rather than frenetic speed, while Nike crowns the team in a gesture that evokes both athletic and civic triumph. The ketos in the exergue adds a distinctly maritime accent, a reminder of Syracuse’s close relationship with the surrounding sea. The reverse shows a finely modelled Arethusa, her features serene and idealised, adorned with jewellery and framed by four dolphins that symbolise the city’s maritime identity. The artistry of this period bridges the archaic and classical styles, combining clarity of design with increasing naturalism. A well preserved and attractively toned example from an appealing pair of provenances, representing one of the most characteristic and admired coin types of classical Sicily.