Arethusa / Octopus

Syracuse (Sicily) - Litra
Head of Arethusa left, hair bound up in a sakkos; dolphin swimming downward to left, ear of grain to right. Of the Phrygillos-signed issue, though the ΦPY signature is not visible on this example.
Octopus.

Description

Obverse: Head of Arethusa left, hair bound up in a sakkos; dolphin swimming downward to left, ear of grain to right. Of the Phrygillos-signed issue, though the ΦPY signature is not visible on this example.
Reverse: Octopus.

Extremely rare; of the issue signed by the engraver Phrygillos, though the signature is not visible on this example. Ex Coin Galleries Mail Bid Sale, with ticket.

Details

CompositionSilver
IssuerSyracuse
Ruling AuthoritySecond Democracy (466 BC - 405 BC)
Period of Issue410 BC - 405 BC
Weight0.76 g
Diameter13 mm
Orientation
↑↑
3h
DenominationLitra
StandardSicilian Litra
ReferencesRizzo #pl. XLIII, 17; SNG ANS 5 #277 (signature not noted)

Numista Reference

Provenance

LocationDescriptionDate
United States
Coin Galleries, Mail Bid Sale - Lot 1303
Aug 17, 1956
United States
Stack's Bowers & Ponterio, May 2026 World CCO Auction - Lot 73027
May 12, 2026
United States
Lelouch Collection
Current