Dekadrachm (obverse), c.400BCE (silver)

Among the most alluring coins of antiquity was the Syracuse dekadrachm. Its artistry, designed by Kimon and Euinatos, among others, and incredibly high relief have captivated coin lovers for two and a half millennia. One side of the coin features a charioteer in a two-wheeled chariot drawn by four horses. Above the horses is Nike, goddess of Victory, placing a victory crown upon the charioteer. On the other side is Arethusa with four dolphins swimming around her. In Greek mythology, Arethusa was a nymph and daughter of Nereus who later transformed into a water fountain near Syracuse.