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Onkia
| Issuer | Akragas |
|---|---|
| Year | 450 BC - 440 BC |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Onkia (1⁄12) |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
| Weight | Log in to see details |
| Diameter | Log in to see details |
| Thickness | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | Concave reverse face displaying the recessed, shell-like interior typical of cast Sicilian bronze onkiai of Akragas. In low relief at the centre of the field, two schematic devices are discernible: what appears to be a rectangular mark or incuse bar to the left, and a circular pellet or symbol to the right, consistent with denomination indicators used on Akragantine cast bronze issues catalogued under HGC 2, 130. The surface is covered with a dark brown patina with areas of cuprite, and the irregular flan edge shows typical casting flash. No legend or inscription is present. |
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| Edge | Log in to see details |
| Mint | Akragas |
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| Additional information |
Akragas was among the wealthiest poleis in the ancient Greek world during the fifth century BC, its prosperity built on sulfur exports and agricultural trade routed through its southern Sicilian harbor. This cast bronze onkia belongs to the city's earliest fiduciary issues — bronze coinage that functioned as fractional currency in local markets where silver was too valuable for small transactions. Cast rather than struck, these pieces were produced by pouring molten metal into clay or stone molds, a technique that leaves distinctive surface textures and occasional casting bubbles still visible on surviving specimens.