Obverse: Youthful head of the river god Gelas right, his hair streaming upwards, [Γ]ΕΛΑΣ barley grain to left.

Reverse: [Γ]ΕΛΑΣ, Bull walking slowly left, three pellets in ex.

CNS: 32; Jenkins, Gela: 516. SNG ANS: 117. [Gela, 420-405 BC].

Diameter: 18 mm. Weight: 3.5 g.

A beautiful little Greek bronze with a gem-like emerald green patina. The obverse depicts the river god Gelas, a representation of the river that flowed to the east of the port town of Gela in Sicily. River gods in Greek art are often conceived as man-headed bulls, but here Gelas is portrayed as a youthful male, his hair streaming upwards as if caught by the wind; a powerful looking bull features on the reverse. Coins with representations of river gods on them generally originate from settlements by the coast, where rivers are at their widest and most powerful - just like a bull, they charge on with unstoppable momentum. A lovely little coin perfectly centred and of the finest classical style.