Dekadrachm of Syracuse
Dekadrachm of Syracuse
3D
Published 2022-02-10T15:36:27+00:00
A pendant made from a silver coin, the dekadrachm (ten-drachma) of Syracuse, set in a gold mount with a suspension loop. The front face shows a female head surrounded by four dolphins, possibly Arethusa or Persephone. The reverse shows a chariot pulled by four horses and a charioteer. The goddess of victory Nike flies overhead to crown the charioteers head with a wreath. This coin is reputed to be one of the so-called thirty pieces of silver paid to Judas for betraying Christ. This belief comes from the Middle Ages. The gold band surrounded the coin is inscribed with: Quia precium sanguinis est [This is the price of blood]. The coin is Greek, Sicilian or Southern Italian; the mount medieval.
| Date published | 10/02/2022 |
| Title | Dekadrachm of Syracuse |
| Date | 5th century AD (coin); Middle ages (frame) |
| Dimension | H 4.5 x W 4 x D 0.5 |
| Accession | MG 034 |
| Medium | Metal; Silver; (frame) Metal; Gold |
| Place | Hunt Museum |
