This is one of the finest of all the facing heads on Greek coinage. Here we see Aphrodite as an ever-youthful goddess, her hair carefully arranged but artfully flowing behind her, perhaps ever so slightly wind-blown. Her expression is a serious one, without even a hint of a smile, not even that of Mona Lisa’s. The artist who cut the dies for this small coin, the value of an Attic tetrobol, produced a true masterpiece, one of the most attractive small denomination to be minted in the 4th century BC.
BCD, a prior owner of this coin, remarked: "Why is it that "beauty" in late classical times never wears a smile? Perhaps in the art of these days a grin was considered unnecessary, even inappropriate. Is it the blend of sadness and charm, so characteristic of the period, what makes this coin so desirable?"

AKARNANIA, Leukas. Circa 380-350 BC. Drachm (Silver, 2.76 g 12). Pegasos flying to left; below, Λ Rev. Head of Aphrodite facing, turned slightly to her left, and wearing a pearl necklace; to right, retrograde Σ. BCD Akarnania 211 (this coin, but with a misprinted Traité reference)- BMC Corinth p. 135, 115. Traité II, IV p. 78, 157 and pl. CCLXXVI, 15-16. Very rare.

Ex Münzen und Medaillen GmbH, Sammlung BCD, 18 October 2007, 211.; Ex Nomos 3, 2011, 77 sales.