Agrigentum Silver Decadrachm Coin
Extremely Fine: Up to: £2,570,673
The Agrigentum (Akragas) Silver Decadrachm (circa 409–406 BC) is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious and valuable ancient Greek coins. Struck shortly before the city was conquered by the Carthaginians, these massive ten-drachma pieces were likely commemorative medals rather than everyday currency.
Market Value & Auction Records
The Akragas decadrachm is one of the most expensive Greek coins ever sold at auction.
- World Record Price: A specimen realised 2,714,000 Swiss francs (approx. $2,918,810) at a Numismatica Ars Classica (NAC) auction in October 2012.
- Historical Sales: A specimen from the Nelson Bunker Hunt Collection sold for $572,000 in 1990, setting a record for its time.
Comparison: While authentic originals command millions, museum-quality remakes or silver replicas typically retail for between £22 and £157.
Mintage & Rarity
Like most ancient coinage, exact mintage numbers were not recorded, but modern die analysis and survival rates indicate extreme rarity.
- Surviving Specimens: There are only 10 to 12 known examples in existence globally.
- Museum Holdings: At least six of the known specimens are held in permanent museum collections.
- Production Scope: Evidence from surviving coins suggests they were struck using only two obverse and three reverse dies, indicating a very limited and short-lived issue.