Tetradrachm ca. 430-390 BC Akanthos Macedonia, Akanthos, Faulty, Silver AU(50-53)

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Lion right attacking bull falling left, magistrate name in exergue., Quadripartite square composed of four granulated pyramids, all within an incuse square., A very well preserved Akanthos tetradrachm, perfectly centered on both sides, with a beautiful patina with slightly iridescent toning. Our specimen is extremely rare and quite unique in its kind due to its faulty legend. While Akanthos tetradrachms have the legend ΑΚΑΝΘΙOΝ, ours is ΑΚΑΝOΙΘΝ. The letters Θ (theta) and O (omicron) have therefore been reversed. This error in the legend leads us to the interpretation of an engraving error. To the best of our knowledge, no other Akanthos tetradrachm has this faulty legend!Based on the inventory drawn up by Jules Desneux in 1949 for the “Revue belge de Numismatique et sigillographie (XCV)”, our specimen is closest to no. 145, i.e. obverse die n° 137 and reverse die n° 131. The magistrate's name is visible in the exergue of the obverse: ΑΛΕΞΙΣ (translatable as Alexis), the position of the animals is respected and so are the incuse square and its four granular pyramids. Nevertheless, the different legend on the reverse invites us to attribute it to a different die than n° 131.Moreover, our example is based on the Thraco-Macedonian standard, favored from the end of the 5th century B.C. as the influence and power of the Chalcidian League and Olynth increased. Initially, the tetradrachms of Akanthos were based on the Attic-Euboic standard, which made it easier to distribute coins. Thanks to its proximity to rich silver mines, Akanthos issued large quantities. This change of standard then led to the average weight of the tetradrachm to drop from 17.4g to 14.4g.Despite some slight wear, our coin is extremely detailed. The obverse is particularly pleasing to the eye, thanks in particular to the lion. The features of its head, the muscles of its paws and, above all, every hair of its imposing mane can be seen. The head of the bull is equally detailed, showing the folds of his neck and his left horn. Its neck is positioned at a 90° angle to its body, testifying to the violence to which it is subjected. Its front legs, bent under the weight of the lion's attack, are even more striking. The scene is highly dynamic, as evidenced by the position of the animals. This dynamism is amplified by the numerous hollows and reliefs in the engraving, which add depth to the scene. This depth and contrast are also found on the reverse. The small, granular pyramids, which are partly worn away, nevertheless present a visible relief in relation to the lower, incuse square in which the iconography is set.Unique faulty tetradrachm in a beautiful state of preservation. A must-have! HGC 3.1, 391; BMC 20; Desneux 145 var. (D137/R- [unlisted reverse die] and Boston MFA 04.661 var. Faune d'Argent Collection., ΑΛΕΞΙΣ, ΑΚΑ-Ν-OΙΘ-Ν

 

Deutsch abbrev.	Deutsch Erhaltungsgrade	Englisch  Grades der Kühlung	Französisch États de  Erhaltung	Italienisch Stati di  conservazione
PP	Polierte Platte	Proof (PRF)	Flan bruni (FB)	Beweis
st	Stempelglanz, stempelfrisch	Stempelglanz (MS65-MS70)	Fleur de coin (FDC)	Fior di conio
-unz	fast unzirkuliert	Almost uncirculated (AU)
vz	Vorzüglich	Vorzüglich (EF oder XF)	Superbe (SUP)	Splendido
ss	Sehr schön	Sehr fein (VF)	Très Très beau (TTB)	Bellissimo
s	Schön	Fine (F)	Très beau (TB)	Molto bello

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