880/​147

Sicily, Akragas (Agrigentum), Tetradrachm circa 460 BC, SNG ANS 978 (same obverse die), SNG München 70 (same obverse die), 17.46 g - a superb and exceptionally well-centered example of an important type.

Akragas was one of the wealthiest and most populous cities in Magna Graecia. On the obverse is seen a serene presentation of the eagle of Zeus while the reverse boasts a forceful and highly naturalistic rendering of a crab from the realm of Poseidon. In a contemporary poem the Greek poet, Pindar, hailed the city as "the most beautiful the mortals had ever built'. This high aesthethic aspiration of the people of Akragas is beautifully reflected in the present piece.

The present example will be featured in the upcoming book: “Apollo to Apollo, The hunt for the divine and eternal beauty”

Quality

Unc-EF

Condition

Condition report on request.

Auction

Furniture, varia & carpets, 19 September 2018

Category
Estimate

120,000 DKK

Price realised

Not sold