Coin of Phintias, Akragas c. 287

Curator: Here we have a coin, believed to be from Akragas, made by Phintias. Editor: Immediately I notice the worn surfaces, like layers of history compressed into this small disc. What imagery do you see in it? Curator: Indeed, time has taken its toll. However, consider the labor—the miniscule details rendered by hand with tools we can only imagine. Editor: One side depicts a youthful head, possibly a river god or local hero, radiating power, while the other shows an eagle, a symbol of Zeus, perched on prey. It speaks of dominance and divine sanction. Curator: It also embodies the power of minting, of controlling resources. The metal itself, likely bronze, speaks to Akragas's economic strength and trade networks. Editor: I agree, the visual program seems carefully chosen. It tells a potent story about the city's identity and ambitions. Curator: Seeing the coin as a product of Akragas reveals production and the interconnectedness of that region. Editor: For me, it's a glimpse into their symbolic world.