Catalogue
| Émetteur | Akanthos (Macedon) |
|---|---|
| Année | 430 BC |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Valeur | Tetradrachm (4) |
| Devise | Attic drachm |
| Composition | Silver |
| Poids | 17.31 g |
| Diamètre | 29 mm |
| Épaisseur | |
| Forme | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered, Incuse |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Graveur(s) | |
| En circulation jusqu’à | |
| Référence(s) | Desneux#113-115 III#24 , Jameson#930 IV#1059 , BostonMFA#528 |
| Description de l’avers | Lion right, attacking bull kneeling to left and biting into his hind quarters; above ΔΗ. In exergue, grape cluster with leaf and tendrils. |
|---|---|
| Écriture de l’avers | Greek |
| Légende de l’avers | ΔΗ |
| Description du revers | Quadripartite square with dotted surface; all within incuse square. |
| Écriture du revers | Greek |
| Légende du revers |
AKANΘΙΟΝ (Translation: Akanthos) |
| Tranche | |
| Atelier | |
| Tirage |
ND (-430) - - |
| ID Numisquare | 2019454280 |
| Informations supplémentaires |
Historical Context: Struck by the independent Chalcidian city of Akanthos circa 430 BC, this Tetradrachm dates to the early Peloponnesian War. Akanthos, a vital port on the Strymonic Gulf, leveraged local resources like timber and nearby silver mines. Issuing these substantial silver denominations underscored the city's economic strength and autonomy, establishing its currency as a recognized medium of exchange across the Hellenic world amidst geopolitical flux.
Artistry: The coin’s design reflects the vigorous Early Classical style, transitioning from Archaic formality to emergent naturalism. While engravers are unknown, the obverse features the iconic motif of a powerful lion attacking a bull, symbolizing the city’s strength or regional wildness. The lion is typically depicted with ferocious energy and anatomical precision. The reverse consistently displays a quadripartite incuse