Macedonia, Tetradrachm, ca. 430-390 BC
Akanthos - Faulty - Silver - AU(50-53)
PLEASE NOTE: this collector's item is unique. We therefore cannot guarantee its availability over time and recommend that you do not delay too long in completing your purchase if you are interested.
Lion right attacking bull falling left, magistrate name in exergue.
Quadripartite square composed of four granulated pyramids, all within an incuse square.
A very well preserved Akanthos tetradrachm, perfectly centered on both sides, with a beautiful patina with slightly iridescent toning. Our specimen is extremely rare and quite unique in its kind due to its faulty legend. While Akanthos tetradrachms have the legend ΑΚΑΝΘΙOΝ, ours is ΑΚΑΝOΙΘΝ. The letters Θ (theta) and O (omicron) have therefore been reversed. This error in the legend leads us to the interpretation of an engraving error. To the best of our knowledge, no other Akanthos tetradrachm has this faulty legend! Based on the inventory drawn up by Jules Desneux in 1949 for the “Revue belge de Numismatique et sigillographie (XCV)”, our specimen is closest to no. 145, i.e. obverse die n° 137 and reverse die n° 131. The magistrate's name is visible in the exergue of the obverse: ΑΛΕΞΙΣ (translatable as Alexis), the position of the animals is respected and so are the incuse square and its four granular pyramids. Nevertheless, the different legend on the reverse invites us to attribute it to a different die than n° 131. Moreover, our example is based on the Thraco-Macedonian standard, favored from the end of the 5th century B.C. as the influence and power of the Chalcidian League and Olynth increased. Initially, the tetradrachms of Akanthos were based on the Attic-Euboic standard, which made it easier to distribute coins. Thanks to its proximity to rich silver mines, Akanthos issued large quantities. This change of standard then led to the average weight of the tetradrachm to drop from 17.4g to 14.4g. Despite some slight wear, our coin is extremely detailed. The obverse is particularly pleasing to the eye, thanks in particular to the lion. The features of its head, the muscles of its paws and, above all, every hair of its imposing mane can be seen. The head of the bull is equally detailed, showing the folds of his neck and his left horn. Its neck is positioned at a 90° angle to its body, testifying to the violence to which it is subjected. Its front legs, bent under the weight of the lion's attack, are even more striking. The scene is highly dynamic, as evidenced by the position of the animals. This dynamism is amplified by the numerous hollows and reliefs in the engraving, which add depth to the scene. This depth and contrast are also found on the reverse. The small, granular pyramids, which are partly worn away, nevertheless present a visible relief in relation to the lower, incuse square in which the iconography is set. Unique faulty tetradrachm in a beautiful state of preservation. A must-have! HGC 3.1, 391; BMC 20; Desneux 145 var. (D137/R- [unlisted reverse die] and Boston MFA 04.661 var. Faune d'Argent Collection.
ΑΛΕΞΙΣ
ΑΚΑ-Ν-OΙΘ-Ν
14.28 gr
Silver
Silver can fall into your pocket but also falls between copper and gold in group 11 of the periodic table. Three metals frequently used to mint coins. There are two good reasons for using silver: it is a precious metal and oxidizes little upon contact with air. Two advantages not to be taken for granted.
Here is thus a metal that won’t vanish into thin air.
It’s chemical symbol Ag is derived from the Latin word for silver (argentum), compare Ancient Greek ἄργυρος (árgyros). Silver has a white, shiny appearance and, to add a little bit of esotericism or polytheism to the mix, is traditionally dedicated to the Moon or the goddess Artemis (Diana to the Romans).
As a precious metal, just like gold, silver is used to mint coins with an intrinsic value, meaning their value is constituted by the material of which they are made. It should be noted that small quantities of other metals are frequently added to silver to make it harder, as it is naturally very malleable (you can’t have everything) and thus wears away rapidly.
The first silver coins probably date back to the end of the 7th century BC and were struck on the Greek island of Aegina. These little beauties can be recognized by the turtle featured on the reverse.
The patina of silver ranges from gray to black.
The millesimal fineness (or alloy) of a coin indicates the exact proportion (in parts per thousand) of silver included in the composition. We thus speak, for example, of 999‰ silver or 999 parts of silver per 1 part of other metals. This measure is important for investment coins such as bullion. In France, it was expressed in carats until 1995.
An “AU(50-53)” quality
As in numismatics, it is important that the state of conservation of an item be carefully evaluated before it is offered to a discerning collector with a keen eye.
This initially obscure acronym comprising two words describing the state of conservation is explained clearly here:
About Uncirculated(50-53)
This means – more prosaically – that the coin has circulated well from hand to hand and pocket to pocket but the impact on its wear remains limited: the coins displays sharp detailing and little sign of being circulated. The number (50-53) indicates that at least half of the original luster remains. Closer examination with the naked eye reveals minor scratches or nicks.
You might be wondering why there are different ranges of numbers behind the same abbreviation. Well, we’ll explain:
The numbers are subdivisions within a category, showing that the state of conversation is the same but coins may be at the higher or lower end of the scale. In the case of AU, the range (55-58) indicates that the luster is better preserved in than a similar coin described as (50-53).
