Nomos AG
Auction 26 21 May 2023
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SICILY. Akragas. Circa 410-406 BC. Litra (Silver, 14 mm, 0.77 g, 8 h). ΑΚΡΑΓΑΝΤΙΝΟΝ Two eagles standing right on dead hare, the nearer with closed wings and its head thrown back screaming in triumph, the further with wings open and head turned down, tearing at its prey with its beak. Rev. Crab with Α between its claws; below, grouper (polyprium cerium), with open jaws, swimming to right. AMB 263 = SNG Lockett 519 (= W. 605.11). Rizzo pl. 3,6 (= W 605.8). Westermark, Akragas, 605 (O 1/R 1). Very rare. Beautifully centered, toned, and of the finest classical style. Some minor traces of corrosion, otherwise, extremely fine.
From the "Collection sans Pareille" of Ancient Greek Fractions and from the collections of L. Mildenberg and A. Moretti, acquired from E. Cammarata on 11 February 1974 for CHF 6000.
This coin's unusually intricate and masterfully engraved types show that this was no just a normal coin; rather, it must have been made as a form of donative to the population, its cost of manufacture defrayed by a wealthy philanthropist, who had the privilege of giving it out to citizens of his choice. This seems to have been a favourite action of Sicilian aristocrats since fractions of abnormally high artistic quality were often minted there.
From the "Collection sans Pareille" of Ancient Greek Fractions and from the collections of L. Mildenberg and A. Moretti, acquired from E. Cammarata on 11 February 1974 for CHF 6000.
This coin's unusually intricate and masterfully engraved types show that this was no just a normal coin; rather, it must have been made as a form of donative to the population, its cost of manufacture defrayed by a wealthy philanthropist, who had the privilege of giving it out to citizens of his choice. This seems to have been a favourite action of Sicilian aristocrats since fractions of abnormally high artistic quality were often minted there.