Syracuse silver tetradrachm signed by Kimon, c. 406 BC
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
c. 406
This silver tetradrachm from Syracuse, struck during the Second Democracy circa 406 BC, is a celebrated masterpiece of ancient Greek numismatic art signed by the engraver Kimon.
The obverse features the head of the nymph Arethusa, canted slightly to the left, with hair rendered in a radial, flowing manner as if submerged in water, surrounded by four dolphins. The artist's signature, "ΚΙΜΩΝ", is inscribed across the ampyx. The reverse depicts a charioteer driving a galloping quadriga to the left, with horses captured in dynamic, agitated motion. Above the horses, a winged Nike descends to crown the driver with a wreath.
A toppled turning post lies beneath the horses' forelegs, and a corn-ear is depicted in the exergue. This coin was minted to the Attic weight standard and is noted for its high-relief portraiture, balanced composition, and exceptional technical execution, embodying the artistic competition and craftsmanship prevalent in classical Syracusan coinage.
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.
Physical characteristics
- Weight
- 17.47g
- Material
- silver
Technical characteristics
- Die axis
- 11h
- Denomination
- tetradrachm
- Weight standard
- Attic
Design
- Obverse
- head of Arethusa canted slightly left, hair fluttering radially, four dolphins, inscription κιμων
- Reverse
- charioteer driving galloping quadriga left, wreath-bearing Nike, toppled turning post, corn-ear in exergue
Identification
- Source note
- Described from a single auction-house listing published on Invaluable (reproduced with Invaluable's permission). Details apply to that one example; other examples of the type may differ, and the listing is supplementary evidence, not authentication.
- Maker named in listing
- Kimon
Documentation checklist
- Denomination
- Research required
- Issue or mint date
- Recorded
- Material
- Recorded
- Weight
- Recorded
- 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.