The Phillips Family Collection of Ancient Greek Coins

Greek Coinages, Syracuse: Tetradrachm, struck under the tyrant Dionysios I, c. 400-395; school of Eukleidas

Obverse: quadriga galloping left, the horses twisting in agitation and threatening to bolt, a loose reign trailing below; the charioteer distracted, glancing up towards the wreath-bearing Nike flying right above; dolphin in exergue

Reverse: συρακοσιων: head of Arethusa left, hair bound by sphendone and floating upwards as if submerged in water, wearing hook-shaped earring and plain necklace; framed by four dolphins swimming around

Metal: silver; Attic weight standard; 17.27g/11h

References: Fischer-Bossert 102b, this coin [O35/R69] = Woodward 121, this coin; Rizzo pl. XLVIII, 16; Ashmolean 2009

Condition: Extremely fine, the obverse perfectly centred and of magnificent style; struck on a broad flan with an almost invisible striking crack, rich cabinet tone £4,000-£5,000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Phillips Family Collection of Ancient Greek Coins.

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Collection

G. Nervegna Collection, Sambon-Canessa Auction, Rome, 18 November 1907, lot 775
W.H. Woodward Collection
Bt Spink, April 1942