Sicily. Syracuse. Second Democracy, circa 430-425 BC. Hemilitron or Hexonkion (Silver, 10.37 mm, 0.40 g). ΣY and pellet, Head of the nymph Arethusa left, wearing a simple necklace with her hair tied up in bun at the top of her head; behind and above, six pellets (mark of value?) or part of border of dots. Rev. Four -spoked wheel with two pellets in first and second quarters and with one in the third and fourth (mark of value); all within shallow incuse circle. Boehringer cfr. 612 for the obv. (V303) but unlisted die of reverse = HGC 2, 1385 (same obverse die). Buceti 308 var. Cf. Rizzo pl. XXXVIII, 11-12 (but head right and different pellets positions). Cammarata -. Manganaro -. Light iridescent toning. Well centred and with a wonderful head of Arethusa, engraved by a master in refined Classic style. Thin die break on reverse. Good Extremely Fine/Very Fine. An apparently unpublished type in the standard references.

Ex Nomisma 21, 10 April 2002, lot 35.