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Preview image of work. silver,  Decadrachm of Syracuse; Obverse: Four-horse chariot (quadriga) and driver; winged Nike flying above; cuirass, grieves and helmet (in exergue); Reverse: Head of the nymph Arethusa surrounded by dolphins 1247
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1914.6.1

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Decadrachm of Syracuse; Obverse: Four-horse chariot (quadriga) and driver; winged Nike flying above; cuirass, grieves and helmet (in exergue); Reverse: Head of the nymph Arethusa surrounded by dolphins

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Artist

Artist Unidentified (Greek)

Title

Decadrachm of Syracuse; Obverse: Four-horse chariot (quadriga) and driver; winged Nike flying above; cuirass, grieves and helmet (in exergue); Reverse: Head of the nymph Arethusa surrounded by dolphins

Creation Date

412 BCE-405 BCE

Century

5th century BCE

Object Type

coin

Creation Place

Ancient Mediterranean, Greece

Medium and Support

silver

Credit Line

Gift of Edward Perry Warren, Esq., Honorary Degree, 1926

Copyright

Public Domain

Accession Number

1914.6.1

During the rule of Dionysius I (ca. 405–367 BCE), a beautiful series of large silver coins was minted by the Greek colony of Syracuse, the chief city of Sicily. This coin was struck with dies prepared by master Sicilian engraver Euainetos. Though this example is unsigned, the artist’s distinct style permits a confident attribution. The reverse (tails) of this large denomination presents the portrait in profile of the sea nymph Arethusa surrounded by four dolphins. From its earliest examples, it is evident that Syracuse preferred a circular format for its coins.

Object Description

Per Prof. Jim Higginbotham 8/9/2018:
Original die created by Euainetos
Greek (Sicily), minted in Syracuse under Dionysios I, ca. 400 B.C.E.

Obverse: Four-horse chariot (quadriga) and driver; winged Nike flying above; cuirass, grieves and helmet (in exergue)
Reverse: Head of the nymph Arethusa surrounded by dolphins

Additional Media

Additional Image obverse
obverse
Additional Image reverse
reverse
Additional Image obverse
obverse


Keywords: Greek