Silver Tetradrachm, Syracuse, 416-406 BCE

Silver Tetradrachm, Syracuse, 416-406 BCE; Obverse: Quadriga with Nike flying above holding a tablet with inscription ΕΥΑΙΝΕΤΟ (EUAINETO = artist’s signature). Two dolphins in exergue.
Silver Tetradrachm, Syracuse, 416-406 BCE; Reverse: Head of Arethusa with four dolphins swimming around. Inscription: EΥΜΕΝΟΥ (EUMENOU = artist’s signature).
Signed by Euainetos and Eumenes

Type/Object Name: Ob:Quadriga with Nike flying above holding a tablet with inscription ΕΥΑΙΝΕΤΟ (EUAINETO = artist’s signature). Two dolphins in exergue. | Re: Head of Arethusa with four dolphins swimming around. Inscription: EΥΜΕΝΟΥ (EUMENOU = artist’s signature).

Dates: 416-406 BCE

Medium: Silver, Tetradrachm

Dimensions: Diameter 24.6 mm, Weight 12.3472 g

Credit Line: Courtesy of John Nebel

Notes: The coins of Syracuse featured a four-horse chariot on the obverse and the head of the nymph Arethusa on the reverse since at least 510 BCE, but this coin does something special. Two of the most remarkable coin artists of the Mediterranean world created its two faces. On the obverse, Euainetos has made the chariot look as if it is racing diagonally towards us, its horses galloping well in hand as the charioteer uses reins and whip at the same time. Above him, a small Nike (Victory) figure holds aloft a tablet proclaiming the name of the artist, Euainetos, himself. The reverse portrays Arethusa, a water nymph who was the patron deity of Syracuse. She was said to have traveled under the sea before emerging as fresh water in Sicily, which explains the dolphins all around her. This side of the coin is signed by Eumenes, whose expertise is demonstrated beautifully here by the clear lines of her eye, the curve of her nose and lips, and the way you can see the shape of her hair even through the hairnet she wears.

Collection: Coin, John Nebel

Bibliography: Tudeer 44 (same dies); SNG ANS 271 (same dies)