Tetradrachm (Coin) Depicting Arethusa
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
474-450 BCE
This ancient Greek silver tetradrachm was minted in Syracuse, Sicily, between 474 and 450 BCE. The coin has a circular form with a diameter measuring 2.6 cm (1 1/16 in.).
The obverse face depicts the head of the nymph Arethusa, facing to the right, encircled by swimming dolphins. The reverse face features a charioteer driving a chariot with horses, accompanied by a winged figure of Nike flying above to crown the horses with a wreath.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
According to myth, the nymph Arethusa swam beneath the sea to escape the river god Alpheus, arriving at the island of Sicily where she found sanctuary. This passage was thought to explain the freshwater spring that flowed into the nymph's pool in Syracuse. When this coin was minted, Syracuse ranked among the Mediterranean basin's most powerful cities, driven by civic pride and ambitious tyrants who expanded the city's territory and supported the arts.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- Silver
- Dimensions
- Diam.: 2.6 cm (1 1/16 in.)
Technical characteristics
- Maker recorded
- Greek, minted in Syracuse, Sicily
- Place recorded
- Ancient Greece
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Art Institute of Chicago collection record for this single object; how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Museum object name
- Tetradrachm (Coin) Depicting Arethusa
- Museum object number
- 1920.723
Documentation checklist
- Denomination
- Research required
- Issue or mint date
- Recorded
- Material
- Recorded
- Weight
- Research required
- Mint or printer
- Research required
- Mint or printer mark
- Research required
- Catalogue reference
- Research required
- Attached photograph (check rights)
- Recorded
Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.