Ancients: Sicily, Syracuse. Second Democracy. 466-405 B.C. AR tetradrachm,...

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Signed by Two Artists

Sicily, Syracuse. Second Democracy. 466-405 B.C. AR tetradrachm, (26 mm, 17.21 g, 8 h). Obverse die signed by Euth..., reverse die signed by Phrygillos. Ca. 415-406 B.C. Nike driving galloping quadriga right, holding reins; above, Nike flying left, crowning her; in exergue, Skylla swimming right, holding trident over shoulder; behind Skylla, dolphin leaping out of the sea; before Skylla, EY(Theta) and fish swimming right / Head of Arethusa left, wreathed with grain, wearing looped earring and necklace; around, four dolphins swimming; below neck, (Phi)PY(Gamma)I(LambdaLambda)[/O(Sigma)] in two lines. Tudeer 47 (V15/R29); SNG ANS 274 (same dies); Kraay & Hirmer 107 (same dies); Rizzo pl. XLII, 12. XF, well centered and struck.

Realizing the high artistic quality of their work, the engravers of dies for Syracusan decadrachms often signed their dies. Their pride in their artistry is justifiable, as evidenced by the great desire of the coins they created among modern collectors. The obverse of this tetradrachm carries the abbreviated signature Euth...(likely for Euthydemos), while the full name of Phrygillos appears on the reverse.

The iconic and highly influential types are skillfully rendered in high classical style. The quadriga carrying Nike on the obverse was widely copied and ultimately lies behind similar depictions on Classical and Hellenistic Greek coins of other cities and kings as well as related images on Roman coins. The sea monster Skylla, depicted in the exergue, was believed to live in the dangerous Strait of Messenia between Sicily and Italy. Arethusa-Persephone, the nymph-patron of Syracuse appears on the reverse, symbolizing the agricultural prosperity and maritime importance of Syracuse.