Macedonia, Tetradrachm, ca. 480-470 BC
Akanthos - Silver - EF(40-45) - HGC:3.1-383
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 kneeling to left and bitting into his hind; above, Θ - Δ. In exergue, stylised acanthus flower.
Quadripartite incuse square.
Very well preserved tetradrachm, despite several visible defects, with a few light marks on the obverse, but mostly with severe scratches on the reverse. However, the specimen is an absolute rarity as it bears a small Δ after the Θ, something that has almost never been seen on these beautiful coins. We have only found two examples of this type in sales over the last twenty years, including the Weber Collection example (Busso Peus, Auction 433, 01 November 2022, lot 1139; €7,000), as well as another example sold by Numismatica Ars Classica, (Auction 140, 07 November 2023, lot 45 (CHF 8,000)). We are particularly surprised that this observe has not been listed by Desneux, who has produced a remarkable and very detailed study of the coinage of the city of Akanthos, which shows the exceptional rarity of these examples. As well as appreciating this extremely rare variety, collectors will appreciate this remarkable scene of an attack of a lion against a bull. The engraving shows the power of the lion's attack, making the bull bend under its weight, and the incredible detail of the scene is strikingly realistic. Desneux --, D46-66 var., unlisted dies; SNG ANS 10; SNG Copenhagen 2; BMC 3 and Weber 1862 (same dies). Ex Claude Boissard Collection (Delorme, Fraysse & Weil, 15-16 November 1994, lot 15). Faune d'Argent Collection.
17.09 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.
