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Dec 9, 2009
Dec 9, 2009
Tetradrachm: Quadriga (obverse); Head of Arethousa (reverse)
Tetradrachm: Quadriga (obverse); Head of Arethousa (reverse)
c. 467–440 BC
Part of a set. See all set records
Greek, minted at Syracuse
(Sicily)
Silver
Diameter: 2.5 cm (1 in.)
Weight: 16.848 g (0.59 oz.)
Die axis: 2
Gift of J. H. Wade 1916.976
Location
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Did you know?
Three dolphins and a bit of a fourth are still visible swimming clockwise around Arethousa.
Description
On the obverse of this highly symbolic coin is the head of Arethousa, a local goddess of Syracuse who fled from mainland Greece and arose on the site as a freshwater fountain. Four dolphins swim around her, suggesting Syracuse’s humble beginnings as a small island colony. On the reverse, a racing four-horse chariot recalls Syracuse’s past victories in Panhellenic games.
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