Arethusa / Octopus

Syracuse (Sicily) - Tetras (¼ Litra)
Head of Arethusa right, wearing ampyx and sphendone and a simple necklace; ΣVPA
Octopus with three pellets (mark of value)

Description

Obverse: Head of Arethusa right, wearing ampyx and sphendone and a simple necklace; ΣVPA
Reverse: Octopus with three pellets (mark of value)

This is a rare fraction from Syracuse featuring the classic Arethusa/octopus type with three pellets indicating the denomination. Unfortunately it has slightly chipped, but still in quite spectacular condition for such a small fraction.

Details

CompositionSilver
IssuerSyracuse
Ruling AuthoritySecond Democracy (465 BC - 405 BC)
Period of Issue415 BC - 406 BC
Weight0.18 g
Diameter9.64 mm
Orientation
↑↑
6h
DenominationTetras (¼ Litra)
StandardSicilian Litra
ReferencesSNG ANS 5 #1375,1376; HGC 2 #1396; Buceti #403; Kreutzer Kleinsilbermünzen #Trionkion 1

Numista Reference

Provenance

LocationDescriptionDate
Switzerland
Astarte, Web Auction 10 - Lot 99
Jul 20, 2025
United States
Lelouch Collection
Current