CVC & Collectables presents a classic bronze issue from ancient Akragas (modern Agrigento, Sicily), featuring the city’s iconic eagle and crab types—bold civic symbolism from one of Sicily’s most famous Greek poleis.
Coin Highlights:
- Maker: Akragas (Greek city mint), Sicily
- Date: c. 425–406 BC
- Catalog: CNS I, 54; HGC 2, 140
- Metal: Æ (Bronze)
- Grade: NGC Fine
- Diameter/Edge: 23mm (plain edge, as made)
- Obverse: Eagle standing right on a hare, head lowered, wings spread
- Reverse: Crab; below, three pellets and crayfish (control symbols)
- Type: AE Tetras (large bronze small-change issue)
Greek civic issue—no emperor; authority is the city-state itself
- Ruling authority: Akragas as an independent Greek polis in Sicily
- Major context: Late Classical-era Sicily, with shifting alliances and mounting regional pressure
- Key event backdrop: The period ends with the Carthaginian capture of Akragas (406 BC), making coinage of the era especially evocative of a city nearing a historic turning point
- Coinage purpose: Civic identity and public confidence—iconic designs repeated across denominations for instant recognition
- Legacy: Akragas remains one of the “must-have” cities for Sicily collectors, and the eagle/crab pairing is among its most collected types
Collectibility:
This is a high-demand type for collectors of Sicily, Greek bronzes, and “iconic animal” ancient coinage. In Fine condition, you want clear major devices (eagle outline, crab body/legs) and stable surfaces—your piece shows an attractive, aged look with a naturally toned bronze appearance. The additional control symbols (pellets + crayfish) add variety appeal beyond a basic crab reverse. Fine more alike here!
