Ancient Greece - 440-380 BCE Kingdom of Macedon, Acanthus, AR Tetradrachm NGC AU★ Fine Style
SOLD
SKU
6127207001
We at AUCM offer with pride an Ancient Greek AR Tetradrachm from Acanthus in Macedon, dated 440-380 BCE. This extremely rare specimen was struck during the initial phase of rebuilding the Acropolis in Athens after its destruction during the Persian Wars (492-229 BCE). The ancient city of Acanthus, located on the Othos peninsula in Macedonia, officially welcomed the Persians and willingly helped dig a canal for Xerxes in 480 BCE. After the Persian Wars, Acanthus became a member of the Athenian Alliance, however later on allied with the Spartans. This rare piece would be an exciting addition to the collection of the specialist in very rare ancient Greek numismatic art.
The design on the obverse is rich with both mythological and historical significance. A lion attacks a bull. In response, the vulnerable and surprised bull's front legs buckle, and he collapses to the ground as he throws his head back in confusion. The imagery of the lion and bull is among the oldest mythological symbols in the world. It passed from culture to culture during times of contact, either through cultural diffusion or war. In essence, the bull brought down by the lion is an image of basic forces of life and death in an intense struggle. Significantly, the lion and bull is important in Persian culture, and, since the Greeks had defeated the Persians in the Greco-Persian Wars, such imagery has even more significance. That is especially so since the lion is a major figure in Greek mythology and culture and figures on much statuary and art throughout the Greek world.
| Grading Service | NONE |
|---|---|
| Year of Issue | NONE |
| Grade | NONE |
| Ancient Year Range | 4th-3rd C. BC |
| Denom Type | N/A |
| Numeric Denomination | AR Tetradrachm |
| Mint Location | NONE |
| Designation | NONE |
| Circ/UnCirc | Not Specified |
| Strike Type | N/A |
| Holder Variety | Strike 5/5; Surface 4/5. Struck in Fine Style |
| Grade Add On | NONE |
| Holder Type | N/A |
