Sicily, Didrachm, ca. 480-470 BC
Akragas - Silver - EF(40-45) - HGC:2-99
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Sea eagle (White-tailed eagle?) standing right, ethnic around.
Crab within incuse circle.
Attractive didrachm with an almost round flan and a well-centered strike showing all the motifs. Despite the traces of wear on the obverse, the bird's eye is still visible, as are the feathers on its belly and wings. It is turned to the right, representing a change from earlier types where most were turned to the left. According to Ulla Westermark's book published in 2018, our example belongs to the fourth group where the bird can be turned either way. She estimates that this group was minted between 480 and 470 BC, during the tyranny of Theron of Akragas, who played an active role in the city's prosperity. The reverse has a superb bluish patina. The incuse circle is fully visible and the surface is almost smooth. The crab is extremely well preserved, with many details. Its legs are represented by thin lines and its eyes by two small, delicate drops. The carapace has an interesting volume, deepened by the incuse circle. A very nice, well-centered, eye-pleasing specimen! Westermark, Period I, Group IV 251 (O86/R172); SNG ANS 954-5; HGC 2, 99; Jenkins Group IV and SNG Lockett II, 583. Faune d'Argent Collection.
AK / RA [R retrograde]
8.35 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 “EF(40-45)” 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:
Extremely Fine
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 retains much of its mint luster, sharp detailing and little sign of being circulated. Closer examination with the naked eye reveals minor scratches or nicks.
