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Dekadrachm (Demareteion) of Syracuse with quadriga
Greek
Early Classical Period
about 470–465 B.C.
Mint: Sicily, Syracuse
Medium/Technique
Silver
Dimensions
Diameter: 35 mm. Weight: 43.39 gm.
Credit Line
Theodora Wilbour Fund in memory of Zoë Wilbour (1864–1885)
Accession Number35.21
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsNumismatics – Coins
Catalogue Raisonné
Brett, Greek Coins (MFA), no. 0356.
DescriptionObverse: Quadriga right, horses walking, driven by charioteer holding goad in right hand, reins in both hands.
Above, Nike flying right, crowning the horses.
In exergue, lion running right.
Border of dots.
Reverse: Head of Arethusa to right, laureate, wearing earring and necklace with pendants. Hair waved in front, turned up at back, one loose lock behind ear; ends of hair gathered up and tied with double cord.
Inscription in Greek around.
Around whole: four dolphins.
Above, Nike flying right, crowning the horses.
In exergue, lion running right.
Border of dots.
Reverse: Head of Arethusa to right, laureate, wearing earring and necklace with pendants. Hair waved in front, turned up at back, one loose lock behind ear; ends of hair gathered up and tied with double cord.
Inscription in Greek around.
Around whole: four dolphins.
ProvenanceAccording to the Brett catalogue entry: from a hoard found in Sicily in 1934; 1934: with Dr. Jacob Hirsch, Suite 1209, 30 West 54th Street, New York, N.Y. (according to a letter from Dr. Hirsch dated December 14, 1934, the coin was acquired by him in Switzerland from collection of a well-known foreign numismatist); January 10, 1935: purchased by MFA from Dr. Jacob Hirsch for $ 17,000.00