ACHAIA, Patrai. Circa 31 BC. AR Hemidrachm (16mm, 2.37 g, 2h). Agys, son of Aischrion, magistrate. Laureate head of Zeus right / AΓVC/AI-CXPI/WNOC around Patrai monogram; all within elaborate wreath. BCD Peloponnesos 534; SNG Copenhagen 152. Good VF, toned, minor die wear on obverse.
Ex BCD Collection (not in LHS sale); Glendining (3 June 1976), lot 18 (part of).
This coin is from a massive issue that was struck in an apparent hasty manner, a fact suggested by the relatively crude dies that were often overused. Many of the known examples are poorly struck, another indication of haste. BCD suggested that this magistrate produced these coins around 31 BC, and that the elaborate, diadem-like wreath on the reverse was a reference to Agrippa’s naval victory over the forces of Antony and Cleopatra.
