Skip to product information
This modern replica of a coin from Akragas (modern Agrigento) in Sicily captures the essence of the city’s numismatic tradition during its peak in the 5th century BCE, a period when Akragas was one of the wealthiest and most powerful cities in Magna Graecia. The obverse features a majestic eagle with outstretched wings, a symbol of divine power and protection closely associated with Zeus, the patron deity of Akragas. The eagle, often depicted on the city’s coinage, reflects the religious devotion of the Akragantines, who built the monumental Temple of Zeus—one of the largest Doric temples in the Greek world—during the rule of the tyrant Theron, a key figure in the city’s golden age following the victory over Carthage at the Battle of Himera in 480 BCE.
The reverse showcases a crab, a creature emblematic of Akragas due to its coastal location and the abundance of marine life in the surrounding waters, symbolizing the city’s connection to the sea and its economic prosperity through trade and fishing. The crab motif also hints at the city’s cultural ties to the broader Greek world, as similar designs were used in other maritime cities, reflecting shared artistic influences across the Mediterranean. The detailed rendering of the eagle and crab highlights the skill of Akragantine engravers, whose work was celebrated for its precision and beauty during this era of flourishing Greek art. This novodel piece, while not an original, offers collectors a tangible link to the historical and cultural legacy of Akragas, making it a valuable addition for enthusiasts of ancient Sicilian numismatics.
278,00 Kč