Sicily, Akragas Archaic AR Didrachm " Eagle, & Crab " Rare 472 - 420 BC S - 7461 8. 29g
Item History & Price
| Reference Number: Avaluer:21623960 | Cleaned/Uncleaned: Uncleaned |
| Composition: Silver | Certification: Arthur J. Link PhD |
| Denomination: Didrachm | Date: 472-420 BC |
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About the coi...n:Approx. 3/4” in diameterEagle stg. L. wings closed RX: Incuse crabS-74618.29 g silverKarcinus was a GiantCrab which came in aid of Hydra in the battle with Heracles at Lerna.The hero Crushed himwith his foot, but as reward for its services, Goddess Hera placed him amongst the stars as the constellation Cancer.Akragas was a wealthy and powerfulGreek state on the southern coast of Sicily, second only to Syracuse inimportance. The city was famous for its lavish building projects, proudlydisplaying its wealth in the form of numerous massive temples, many of whichstill stand today.The early designs of the coinage ofAkragas remained consistent for nearly a century, depicting Zeus’ standingeagle on the obverse and a crab on the reverse. As their societies matured, thearistocratic rulers of Akragas and its surrounding cities became highlycompetitive, especially in horse races, but also in the artistic beauty of thecoinage they produced, resulting in a flourishing numismatic arms race.Around 415 BCE, a dramatic shifttook place, reinvigorating all denominations of their coinage. The designsbecame much more intricate, and the new coins have been ranked as some of themost beautiful coinage ever produced, clearly the work of the finest Sicilianartists of the time. Shipped USPS First Class Mail. Handling Charge is for insurance.
