Sicily, Catane, Tetradrachm

This tetradrachm is one of the earliest coins of the ancient town of Catane on Sicily. It shows the local river god Amenanus, here illustrated as a bull with a human face. The water is symbolized by a sea monster at the bull's feet. Above Amenanus flies a Nike, a goddess of victory. The other side of the coin bears the winged figure of the goddess of victory in full length; the inscription names the mint of the coin in Greek letters: KATANAION – the town of Catane.