Nomos 1

MACEDON, Akanthos. Circa 440. Tetradrachm (Silver, 17.24 g 7). Lion to right, attacking bull, with head raised, collapsing to left; in exergue, fish swimming to left Rev. ΑΚΑΝΘΙΟΝ Raised quadripartite square surrounded by inscription; all within shallow incuse square. Desneux 96 ff. SNG ANS -. A very rare variety of magnificent Classical style. Well centered and with attractive toning. Extremely fine.

The coinage of Akanthos began in the early 5th century and the city’s coin types, while always the same, show a clear development from the late Archaic through early and later Classical periods. Our coin is remarkably lifelike and perfectly modeled. It is, in many ways, reminiscent, in the volumes and relief of the figures, of the animals that appear on the sculptural decoration of the Parthenon in Athens.