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Tetradrachm - Dionysius I
| Issuer | Syracuse |
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| Year | 405 BC - 400 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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| Obverse description | A fast-moving quadriga rushes to the left in the principal design, with the charioteer firmly grasping the reins in both hands and holding a kentron (goad) in his right; the second horse from the left turns its head back to the right, its rein loose and dangling, a characteristic detail of the finest Syracusan die work. Above the group, Nike flies to the right to crown the victorious driver, while below the hind hooves of the near horse lies a fallen chariot wheel, dramatically evoking the tension of the race. In the exergue, a single grain ear faces left, a symbol of Sicilian agricultural abundance. The composition displays the masterful relief and dynamic energy characteristic of the late fifth-century Syracusan die-engraving tradition. |
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| Reverse description | The head of the nymph Arethusa faces left, rendered in high relief with fine naturalistic detail; she wears an ampyx (brow band), a sphendone (hair net) decorated with a zig-zag pattern along its lower border, a double-hook pendant earring, and a simple necklace set with four pearls. The hair is elaborately arranged in loose curls around her face and gathered at the back. In the field to the left, two dolphins swim downward toward the right; behind Arethusa's head to the right, two further dolphins are arranged in opposing directions, the upper one turning outward and the lower one inward, framing the portrait with fluid, aquatic symbolism. The legend ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΩΝ, identifying the issuing city of Syracuse, is distributed around the field in Greek characters. |
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| Mint | Syracuse |
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