KM 94922
Octopus coin
ca. 474-50 BC
Syracuse, Sicily
On the obverse, a representation of Arethusa (goddess of water, fate and beauty), with an octopus on the reverse. This remarkably preserved coin is approximately the same size as an American dime, and is probably made from bronze. The decision to put an octopus on the civic coinage of Syracuse may well reflect the high status of this delicacy in Sicily.