CVC & Collectables presents this Sicily, Akragas AR Hemidrachm, minted between 338–317 BC during the late Classical Greek period. Struck in fine silver and certified NGC Fine, this scarce type features the iconic crab of Akragas and a dynamic galloping horse, symbols deeply associated with the city’s maritime power and agricultural wealth. A rare and highly collectible small denomination from one of Sicily’s most artistically influential mints.
Coin Highlights:
- Maker / Mint: Akragas (Acragas), Sicily
- Date: 338–317 BC
- Denomination: AR Hemidrachm (Triobol)
- Catalog References: SNG ANS 1109; HGC 2, 108
- Metal: Silver
- Weight: ~2.0 g (varies by strike)
- Diameter: ~12–14 mm
- Grade: NGC Fine
- Obverse: Crab with small M above — a classic civic emblem of Akragas.
- Reverse: Horse galloping right; star above.
- Technique: Struck, Greek Classical fabric
- Orientation: Variable (ancient issue)
Historical Significance:
Akragas was one of the wealthiest and most powerful Greek cities on Sicily, renowned for its monumental temples and its beautifully engraved coinage. By the late 4th century BC, the city reasserted itself after periods of conflict, producing silver coinage that remained loyal to its long-standing civic symbols:
- The crab, representing Akragas’ coastal identity and connection to the sea.
- The horse, symbolizing strength, agriculture, and the city’s famed horse-breeding culture.
These smaller denominations circulated locally and are scarcer than the larger didrachms and tetradrachms that Akragas issued earlier in its history.
Greek Sicilian:
- Period: Late Classical to early Hellenistic transition (4th century BC)
- Political Setting: Fragmented Greek city-state rivalries; pressure from Carthage; later influence from Agathokles of Syracuse.
- Coinage Environment: Emphasis on civic iconography rather than rulers; heavy maritime themes across Sicilian mints.
- Legacy: Akragas coinage is prized for artistry, symbolism, and its role in showcasing Sicilian Greek identity.
Collectibility:
Hemidrachms of this era from Akragas are considered scarce, with the crab-and-horse type particularly desirable due to its strong civic symbolism. Certified examples in NGC Fine are appealing for collectors seeking authentic, affordable, and historically rich Greek silver. Demand is consistently strong among collectors of Sicilian Greek coinage, small silver denominations, and city-state issues with iconic imagery. Find more alike here!
