| 10-Drachma Piece of the Greek
City of Syracuse
5th-4th centuries BC
Silver diameter 34 mm, weight 43.09 g
The people of Syracuse are thought to
have made large coins such as this for
presentation as prizes at the annual games.
The obverse shows the head of the nymph
Arethusa; the reverse shows a charioteer
being crowned by Nike, goddess of
victory. The skilful composition and
execution of this coin make it one of the
most famous masterpieces of the
coin-engraver's art.
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