Sicily, 1/2 Shekel, 213-211 BC
Akragas - Silver - MS(60-62)
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Youth male head right (Triptolemos ?), wearing grain wreath, within grenetis.
Horse galloping or prancing right; below, Punic letter H. All within wreath.
The finest example known, exceptionally well preserved, almost as in its state of strike, and with an extremely rare type. A splendid half-Shekel, struck on a flan whose width had almost never been seen before. The coin has been covered with a slightly darkened gray cabinet patina highlighted by golden tones around some reliefs, giving it an extremely eye-pleasing aesthetic. Presumably issued during the Second Punic War, this half-shekel is attributed to the city of Agrigentum (Akragas) by A. Burnett, which was the main stronghold of the Carthaginians. Other elements are the stylistic similarities with other Punic coinages and the Punic letter “H” as a marker of value. This coin is also exceptional for its rarity, as the type commonly encountered consists of a plain circle surrounding the horse, while very rare examples bears this laurel wreath. The elegant engraving of the horse galloping with its mane flowing in the wind and its movement clearly evident, reflects the talent and precision of the engraver of this magnificent coin. SNG Copenhagen 378 and Burnett, Enna hoard pl. V, 140 (these dies). Ex Vinchon, 28 April 1997, lot 42. Faune d'Argent Collection.
4.3 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.
