Syracuse Decadrachm by Euainetos

Silver decadrachm of Syracuse, Sicily, struck about 405 to 400 BC from dies cut by Euainetos. If ancient coins were judged as sculpture, this portrait would be a front-runner. The nymph Arethusa turns left, her hair a mass of loose curls, a pendant earring and necklace catching the light, while four dolphins circle her head and the city's name arcs above. A decadrachm was a ten-drachm piece, a large and heavy silver coin, and few Greek coins let you put a name to the artist who cut the die. This example is in the American Numismatic Society's collection.