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Litra
| Issuer | Syracuse |
|---|---|
| Year | 420 BC - 415 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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| Obverse description | Facing right, the draped bust of the nymph Arethusa is depicted in fine archaic style, her hair bound in a sphendone and adorned with a beaded necklace. Loose locks of hair fall at the nape of the neck and in front of the ear. A dolphin is shown swimming to the right in the lower field, serving as a characteristic symbol of Syracuse's maritime identity. The die engraving displays the refined yet vigorous style characteristic of the early Classical Syracusan silver coinage of the late fifth century BC. |
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| Reverse description | An octopus is rendered in bold relief at the center of the reverse field, its eight tentacles radiating dynamically outward and filling the flan in a highly decorative composition typical of Sicilian coinage of this period. The creature is depicted with naturalistic detail, the sinuous arms curling across the surface of the die. A partial ethnic inscription appears in the lower right field. The compact, vigorous rendering of the octopus is a hallmark of Syracusan silver litrai of the late fifth century BC. |
| Reverse script | Greek |
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