SICILY. Syracuse. Second Democracy, 466-405 BC. Litra (Silver, 13 mm, 0.82 g, 8 h), circa 450-440 BC. Head of Arethusa to right, wearing a pearl necklace and with her hair bound up with a simple taenia; border of dots. Rev. Σ-V-R-Α Octopus. Cf. Boehringer 551. Buceti 272a. SNG ANS 179. Attractive and well-centered, with a dark patina as found. Extremely fine.
From the "Collection sans Pareille" of Ancient Greek Fractions.
Doesn't Arethusa look remarkably matronly in this portrait? It must have been a hairdo worn by stylish ladies of the time, but, somehow, it looks very dated to modern eyes!