231, Lot: 73. Estimate $150. Sold for $125. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

ACHAIA, Patrai. Circa 31 BC. AR Hemidrachm (17mm, 2.37 g, 11h). Agys, son of Aischrion, magistrate. Laureate head of Zeus right / ΠA monogram; AΓVC/AI-CXPI/ωNOC around; all within elaborate wreath. BCD Peloponnesos 534-5. Good VF, toned.

Ex BCD Collection (not in previous sales); Peus 291 (30 March 1977), lot 237.

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.