★ Attractive Tetradrachm of Akanthos ★

Macedon. Akanthos circa 470-430 BC.
Tetradrachm AR

28 mm, 17,47 g

Bull collapsing to left, attacked and mauled by lion upon his back to right; tunny fish to left in exergue / AKANΘION in shallow incuse around quadripartite square, the quarters raised and granulated.

Light cabinet tone; extremely fine

Desneaux 98 (D95/R88); HGC 3.1, 385.

Ex Roma Numismatics Auction XXX, Lot 137

The silver tetradrachms of Akanthos, minted during the 5th century BC, are renowned for their dynamic and intricate design. The obverse depicts a dramatic scene of a lion attacking a bull, showcasing the skill of ancient engravers in capturing motion and power. This motif likely held symbolic meaning, possibly representing natural forces, civic strength, or religious themes, although its precise interpretation remains debated. The reverse typically features a quadripartite incuse square, a common design element in early Greek coinage, serving both a practical and decorative purpose. Akanthos used the Attic weight standard for these tetradrachms, with each coin weighing approximately 17.2 grams, aligning it with wider Greek economic systems and facilitating trade across the region. Akanthos’ prosperity, driven by its strategic location and access to nearby silver mines, is reflected in the large quantities of these coins that circulated widely throughout northern Greece and beyond. Their distribution underscores the city's significant role in regional trade and economic networks, particularly during the politically turbulent period of the Greco-Persian Wars.