Arethusa ¾ / Octopus
Syracuse (Sicily) - Tetras (¼ Litra)
Description
Obverse: Head of Arethusa, ¾ left, wearing necklace and ampyx, hair floating freely.
Reverse: Octopus
A spectacular green patina featuring the iconic facing head of Arethusa. It is impressive that the Syracusans commanded such a small but detailed portrait for their smallest of coinage.
Details
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Composition | Bronze |
| Issuer | Syracuse |
| Ruling Authority | Second Democracy (465 BC - 405 BC) |
| Period of Issue | 405 BC - 405 BC |
| Weight | 1.57 g |
| Diameter | 16 mm |
| Orientation | ↑↑ 4h |
| Denomination | Tetras (¼ Litra) |
| Standard | Sicilian Litra |
| References | CNS II #29; SNG Copenhagen #679; AMB Basel #491; SNG Munich 5 #1107; HGC 2 #1432; SNG ANS 5 #385-388 |
Provenance
| Location | Description | Date |
|---|---|---|
| San Marino | May 4, 2024 | |
| United States | Lelouch Collection | Current |
Additional Images
