This double-sided decadrachm of Syracuse is both a commemoration of an important military victory over the Athenian armies and a representative example of Greek numismatic skills and dynamic in Magna Graecia (Greek-speaking areas located mainly in southern regions of modern Italy).

The obverse shows the head of Arethusa, the nymph of the spring which flowed from the ground in Syracuse according to Ovid’s Metamorphosis. On the reverse we can observe a quadriga who’s victory is implied by the representation of Nikê, the goddess of victory, swooping down to crown the rider with a laurel wreath.

This race was probably part of public demonstrations celebrating the failed attempts by Athenian forces to capture Syracuse. Below the chariot scene are some spoils of war, probably illustrating the spoils taken from the battle. Real miniatures compositions, these coins were also portable allegories based on history facts.