Akragas –
Akragas, located midway along
Akragas, like most Greek cities of the time, experienced despots and tyrants, this came to an end in the fifth century BC when the tyrant Thrasydaeus was over thrown and a form of democratic government implemented. The democratic government was to last throughout the Peloponnesian War, during which the city remained neutral, ending in 406 BC when the city was sacked by Himilco a Carthaginian General.
At the time of its sack Akragas had an estimated population of 200,000 and was perhaps the richest city on the island. As a result of the sack the wealth of the city was carried off to
Akragas it probably best known to the numismatist for its stunning fifth century gold silver and bronze coins featuring Eagles and Crabs.
The following coins are from Forums collection.
SH35526. Silver didrachm, SNG ANS 943, gVF, Akragas mint, weight 8.810g, maximum diameter 20.6mm, die axis 255o, c. 495 - 482 B.C.; obverse AKRAG/AS, eagle standing left; reverse crab in incuse convex round
GB83406. Bronze BMC Sicily p. 15, 86; SNG Cop 72, aVF, Akragas mint, obverse AKRAGANTINON, eagle standing right, head right looking upward, fish in talons; reverse crab holding eel in claws, surrounded by six pellets, murex and sepia below