Tetradrachm: Quadriga (obverse); Head of Arethousa (Cleveland Museum of Art 1916.976)
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
c. 467–440 BCE
On the obverse of this highly symbolic coin is the head of Arethousa, a local goddess of Syracuse who fled from mainland Greece and arose on the site as a freshwater fountain.
Four dolphins swim around her, suggesting Syracuse’s humble beginnings as a small island colony. On the reverse, a racing four-horse chariot recalls Syracuse’s past victories in Panhellenic games. Cleveland Museum of Art object 1916.976: Tetradrachm: Quadriga (obverse); Head of Arethousa (reverse), c. 467–440 BCE. Greek, minted at Syracuse (Sicily). Silver; diameter: 2.5 cm (1 in.). Inscribed: ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΟΝ (Of the Syracusans).
Details are those of this museum object; how far it represents a wider type has not been independently verified.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 3
- 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
Three dolphins and a bit of a fourth are still visible swimming clockwise around Arethousa.
Physical characteristics
- Materials
- silver
- Dimensions
- Diameter: 2.5 cm (1 in.)
- Measurements
- Diameter: 2.5 cm (1 in.)
- Material and technique
- silver
Design
- Inscription
- ΣΥΡΑΚΟΣΙΟΝ (Of the Syracusans)
Identification
- Date recorded
- c. 467–440 BCE
- Culture period
- Greek, minted at Syracuse (Sicily)
- Holding institution
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- Museum object number
- 1916.976
- Museum classification
- Coins
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.
Research required
- Research required: this record describes a single museum object; confirm the wider coin type and standard catalogue references (e.g. SNG, RPC, RIC) against numismatic literature.