£310.00
A classic Athenian ‘owl’ tetradrachm of the 5th century BC.
Athens was able to draw on the plentiful silver from state-owned mines across Attica to produce these coins in vast quantities. Owing to their quality and reliable standard, these iconic coins were widely used across the Hellenistic world.
This beautiful example has a clear portrait of Athena, adorned with a crested Attic helmet ornamented with three olive leaves and spiral palmette on the bowl, earring and pearl necklace. On the reverse, the Athenian owl stands to right with head facing; an olive sprig and crescent behind and ΑΘΕ in the right field.
It has a contemporary test cut to the obverse, which has been relatively sympathetic to the design, allowing us to see much of the detail of Athena, and a clear depiction of the Athenian owl on the reverse. The legend has taken some wear from the test cut strike.
Altogether this remains an excellent example, and is very pleasing in the hand.
Out of stock
Attica, Athens AR Tetradrachm. Circa 454-404 BC. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet ornamented with three olive leaves above visor and spiral palmette on bowl, round earring with central boss, and pearl necklace / Owl standing to right with head facing; olive sprig and crescent behind, ΑΘΕ before; all within incuse square.
17.16g, 25mm.
Ref: Kroll 8; Dewing 1591-8; SNG Copenhagen 31.
Test cut to obverse, otherwise Very Fine.
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