Nomos 30

SICILY. Akragas. Circa 410-406 BC. Litra (Silver, 13 mm, 0.74 g, 12 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. Well-centered and with an attractive dark patina as found. Some minor areas flatly struck and traces of corrosion, otherwise, nearly extremely fine.

From the Dr. Paul Peter Urone Collection, acquired in May 2013 from a prominent dealer in Chicago as a bronze coin (!!!), presumably because of its dark patina. This means that incredible bargains can be had if you keep your eyes open!!!!.

This coin's unusually intricate and masterfully engraved types show that this was not 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.