Description:

Greece, Attica, Athens, ca. 454 to 404 BCE. A silver AR tetradrachm, Obverse: head of Athena facing right, wearing Attic helmet decorated with olive leaves and palmette. Reverse: owl standing to right, field, olive sprig, and crescent behind, Greek inscription, all within an incuse square. The inscription is an abbreviation of "ATHENAION" (of the Athenians). This type of Athenian coinage, known as "Owls," was produced in Athens for more than four centuries. While the design changed over time, the coins consistently featured Athena on the front and her symbolic owl on the back. Size: 0.88" Diameter (2.2 cm); silver quality: 91.28%; weight: 14.6 grams

One of the most famous coins from the height of Athens' glory. The owl is a symbol of Athena, and often shown accompanying her; Athena, of course, was the goddess of the city, and so the owl became a symbol of Athens and its government. The olive tree, as well, relates to Athens. Athena and Poseidon were said to have quarreled over the city of Athens and Athena planted an olive tree on the Acropolis to show that it belonged to her. Herodotus records that, although the Persians burnt all of the Acropolis, the remains of the olive tree sprouted a new branch the very next day.

Provenance: private New York, New York, USA collection, acquired in February 2024 from Gorny and Mosch, Munich, Germany

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#187345

  • Condition: Surface erosion on owl reverse, and pitting on Athena obverse. Toning and patina. Good to Fine condition.

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July 9, 2024 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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