Akragas - AR Didrachm
Obverse
Name/Title
Akragas - AR DidrachmEntry/Object ID
C2020-G82-530Description
A coin issued by the city-state Akragas depicting two emblems of the city, an eagle and a crab.Context
The typical coin type of the Sicilian city-state Akragas was the eagle on the obverse and crab on the reverse. During the Greek Archaic period (800-480 BCE), when this coin was minted, animal types appeared frequently on coinage and often carried connections to local religious cults. The eagle, the sacred animal of Zeus, was understood to be an embodiment of the god himself. The presence of the bird on the coinage of Akragas highlights the high status of the god within the city, where he was worshipped extensively. While the eagle is clearly understood to be an embodiment and symbol of the god Zeus, the symbolism of the crab is less straightforward. Earlier interpretations suggested that the crab was a symbol of the god Poseidon and, alongside the eagle, represented the dominion of the city-state over the land and sea. However, another interpretation suggests that the crab was instead a personification of the local river-god Akragas, which gave the city-state its name. Scholars have argued that it was likely the large number of crabs in the small rivers surrounding the city that resulted in the choice of the crab as the representation of the river-god and emblem of the city.Collection
Archaic GreeceMintage
Mint
AkragasDate made
500 BCE - 495 BCETime Period
ArchaicPlace of Origin
City
AkragasRegion
Magna Graecia, SicilyCountry
ItalyManufacture Method
StruckCoin Details
Obverse
Description
Eagle, with wings closed, standing left.Transcription
AKPATranslation
Akra(gas)Reverse
Description
Crab in incuse circle.Issuing Authority
AkragasDenomination
AR DidrachmEthnography
Cultural Region
Region
SicilyCulture/Tribe
Greek