ISLANDS OFF ATTICA, Aegina. Circa 525-480 BC. Stater (Silver, 19 mm, 11.89 g). Sea turtle; on shell, countermark of Akanthos flower within rectangular incuse. Rev. Incuse square with mill-sail pattern. Asyut Group IVa. Dewing 1657. SNG Copenhagen 501. With a rare and interesting countermark. Very fine.


Akanthos comes from the Greek word ἄκανθο-, meaning 'thorny'. It is the name of a spiky plant which became a coat of arms for the eponymous polis Akanthos, situated on the eastern shore of the Chalkidiki.