Arethusa / Hippocamp & Octopus

Syracuse (Sicily) - Tetras (⅓ Litra)
Head of Arethusa right, wearing ampyx and sphendone; four Xs around; within circular line border.
Hippocamp right; octopus upside-down below; three pellets around

Description

Obverse: Head of Arethusa right, wearing ampyx and sphendone; four Xs around; within circular line border.
Reverse: Hippocamp right; octopus upside-down below; three pellets around

Another excellent example of this popular Syracuse type featuring the detailed hippocamp and octopus. This piece shows good detail on both sides with clear legend. Ex John Morcom collection, and this time actually published in SNG Morcom so at-least at 30 year provenance. This one is real for sure.

Details

CompositionBronze
IssuerSyracuse
Ruling AuthoritySecond Democracy (466 BC - 405 BC)
Period of Issue415 BC - 410 BC
Weight2.13 g
Diameter13 mm
Orientation
↑↑
2h
Denomination1 Tetras
StandardSicilian Litra
ReferencesCNS II #30; SNG ANS #1382; HGC 2 #1433; SNG Morcom #680 (this coin)

Numista Reference

Provenance

LocationDescriptionDate
United KingdomMorcom, J. - SNG Morcom (London, 1995)1995
United KingdomJohn Morcom Collection of Western Greek Bronzes-
United KingdomNaville Numismatics, Auction 97 - Lot 63Aug 10, 2025
United StatesLelouch CollectionCurrent