Lot 3179

Description

Macedon, Akanthos, (470-430 B.C.), Attic standard, silver tetradrachm, 27mm, (16.71 g), obv. bull kneeling to left, looking forward, attacked by lion to right on his back, in exergue below a fish to right, dotted border, rev. AKA- N**Q*- IO - N around a raised square with plain surface all within incuse square, (cf.S.1365, cf.Desneux [Les tetradrachmes d'Akanthos] Nos. 95, 97-8 [unlisted dies], AMNG III/2, 21, SNG ANS -, HGC 3.2, 385 [S]). Toned, extremely fine, very rare, dies unlisted.

Ex CNG Triton Sale XX, January 9, 2017 (lot 99) with ticket for sale included, previously from Triton Sale XVII, January 6, 2014 (lot 117) where it realised $8500US.
Akanthos was one of those cities that produced a very prolific coinage serving an international need in the archaic and classical period. They were minted on the Attic weight standard [17.2 g for the tetradrachm], and formed an issue that could circulate with contemporary Athenian coins on equal terms.