Sicily, Akragas AR Tetradrachm. Circa 410-406 BC. Reverse die signed by Silanos. Nike, holding kentron and reins, driving fast quadriga to left; tablet inscribed ΑΚΡΑΓИOИITИA (ON off tablet) above, club in exergue / Two eagles grasping hare turned to right, head reverted, the nearest with closed wings and head raised, the furthest with open wings and head lowered; ΣIΛANOΣ to left. Westermark, Coinage 595 (O7/R11); Seltman, Engravers 16 (same dies); SNG ANS 1000 (same dies); Gulbenkian 170 (same dies); HGC 2, 86. 17.00g, 26mm, 12h.

Good Very Fine. Very Rare.

From the collection of C.S., Germany, purchased prior to 1991.

The coinage of Akragas consistently depicted the crab and eagle since its earliest issue of the sixth century BC, and the best engravers were recruited to render these symbols of the city in the finest possible style. Late in the fifth century the coinage of the city underwent a remarkable transformation; like many of the cities of Sicily such as Messana and Syracuse, a renaissance began that saw numismatic art reach new heights of intricacy and magnificence. The traditional types were transformed, and the metamorphosis could not have been more pronounced - the previously static types are replaced by dynamic scenes full of activity and energy.

This particular design of the two eagles may have been inspired by the omen received by Agamemnon and Menelaos in Aeschylos' Agamemnon, where two eagles, representing the two kings, devoured a pregnant hare, an allusion to the forthcoming destruction of city of Troy. Such was the fate of Troy, and also of Akragas which was sacked and razed by the Carthaginians in 406 BC. Thus was this brief flourishing of vibrant art in Akragas brutally put to a premature end.