Lot 2488

Description

Macedon, Akanthos, (420-380 B.C.), silver tetradrachm, (13.39 g), obv. bull kneeling to left, looking back, attacked by lion to right on his back, in exergue below EVK, dotted border, rev. AKA- N**Q*- IO - N around a raised square with plain surface all within incuse square, (S.1367, cf.BMC 22 [p.5], Desneux [Les tetradrachmes d'Akanthos] No.118 [dies D114/R106], AMNG III 27 cf.28-32, SNG ANS 12-15 variety). Toned, extremely fine, irregular edge, very rare.

Ex Noble Numismatics Sale 128, lot 2509. Previously Ponterio & Associates Inc, Sale 129 January 16-17, 2004 (lot 380), ticket for sale included.^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. The weight was reduced in the late 5th century to 14 grams.