The portrait of Arethusa presented on this lovely tetradrachm is a major evolution from the earlier stiff-featured depictions of the demi-goddess from the earlier fifth century coinage of Syracuse. Here her hair is held in place with a cloth saccos, bound tight with a broad band, and intricately decorative stitching can be seen along the front edge and at the back. A loose fold descends from the far side, hanging at the back of the neck. Despite the enclosing headpiece, tufts of hair fall from the side in waves, which are pulled back and tucked behind her ear.

Arethusa wears the heavy necklace and earring she always wears, except here the earring is not in pendant form but rather a loop. The portrait is enhanced by the goddess's eye, which is well crafted and realistic, with the iris and pupil being clear and the eyelashes distinct.

Tetradrachm circa 430-420, AR 17.62 g. Slow quadriga driven r. by charioteer, holding kentron and reins; above Nike flying r. to crown horses. Rev. ΣVRA – ΚΟΣΙΟΝ Head of the nymph Arethusa r., wearing earring and necklace, hair waved over forehead and the rest enclosed in saccos bound with broad diadem; around, four dolphins swimming snout to snout. Rizzo pl. XXXVIII, 17 (these dies). AMB 447. Jameson 786 (these dies). SNG ANS 204 (these dies). Boehringer 635.

Ex. NFA XXII 6/89, lot 206; Ex. Lanz 32, 1985 lot 92 (cover coin)