Sicily. Syracuse. Second Democracy, circa 430-420 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 24.55 mm, 17.38 g). Charioteer driving slow quadriga right on double exergue line, holding kentron and reins; above, Nike flying right, crowning horses; border of dots. Rev. ΣYPΑΚΟΣΙΟΝ, Head of nimph Arethusa right, wearing double spiral earrings and a simple necklace; hair bound in sakkos decorated with meander and zig-zag pattern, ampyx ornamented with leaf wreath; four dolphins around. Boehringer 642 (V326/R442, same dies). SNG ANS 207 (same dies). SNG Lockett 953 (same dies). Jameson 783 (same dies). Weber 1591 (same dies). Gillet 582 (same dies). Gulbenkian 269 (same dies). AMB 448 (same dies). Buceti 298 (same dies). Cf. HGC 2, 1319. An exceptional piece, one of the finest known, perfectly centred with attractive iridescent toning. A very elegant portrait in a splendid classical style. Struck on the usual tight flan with die break on obverse (on the wheel). Choice Extremely Fine. Rare.

Ex Astarte XVII, 8 May 2005, lot 81.

The 'transitional' era of Greek numismatic art is perfectly exemplified by the dies of this Syracusan tetradrachm, which displays a blend of Archaic and Classical artistic conventions.