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Tetradrachm of Syracuse with head of Arethusa, signed by Kimon
Greek
Classical Period
c. 413–399 B.C.
Mint: Sicily, Syracuse
Medium/Technique
Silver
Dimensions
Diameter: 28 mm. Weight: 16.30 gm.
Credit Line
Catharine Page Perkins Fund
Accession Number00.117
CollectionsAncient Greece and Rome
ClassificationsNumismatics – Coins
Catalogue Raisonné
Brett, Greek Coins (MFA), no. 0417.
DescriptionObverse: Head of Arethusa, almost full-front to left, with earring and necklace; flowing hair, with a diadem on which are said to be traces of Kimon in Greek (see Brett catalogue, no. 417).
Traces of inscription in Greek above to name the nymph (also Brett, no. 417).
Around the head are four dolphins among the tresses.
Border of dots.
Reverse: Quadriga with horses galloping to left and charioteer bent forward.
Nike flies to right to crown the charioteer.
In exergue: inscription in Greek above ear of barley.
Plain border.
Traces of inscription in Greek above to name the nymph (also Brett, no. 417).
Around the head are four dolphins among the tresses.
Border of dots.
Reverse: Quadriga with horses galloping to left and charioteer bent forward.
Nike flies to right to crown the charioteer.
In exergue: inscription in Greek above ear of barley.
Plain border.
ProvenanceBy date unknown: Edward Herbert Bunbury Collection; by 1896: with Sotheby, Wilkinson & Hodge, 13 Wellington Street, Strand, London (auction of the Edward Herbert Bunbury Collection, 13 Wellington Street, Strand, London, June 17, 1896, lot 465); by date unknown: with Edward Perry Warren; 1900: purchased by MFA from Edward Perry Warren