Attica, Athens Tetradrachm ca. 454–404 BC

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Carmen Vera Gutiérrez
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Selected by Carmen Vera Gutiérrez

Experienced antique appraiser specialising in Spanish coins with deep knowledge of ancient currency.

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Attica, Athens mint, ca. 454–404 BC, AR tetradrachm, 15.93 g, 24 mm, obv. Athena right with crested Attic helmet; rev. owl right; references Kroll 8; HGC 4, 1597; provenance Solidus Numismatik, Auction 136, Lot 1029 (22.10.2024).

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Description from the seller

Attica, Athens – Athens mint (modern-day Athens, Greece)
ca. 454–404 BCE

AR Tetradrachm
AR, 15.93 g, 24 mm
About Extremely Fine

Obv. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with olive leaves and floral scroll, with earring and pearl necklace.

Rev. Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig and crescent moon behind; all within incuse square.

Ref. Kroll 8; HGC 4, 1597

Provenance. Solidus Numismatik, Auction 136, Lot 1029 (22.10.2024)

Historical Context:
The Athenian “owl” tetradrachms are among the most iconic coins of the ancient world. Issued during Athens’ Classical height in the 5th century BCE, they symbolized both the city’s power and its cultural identity. Athena, goddess of wisdom and war, represents civic pride, while the owl and olive branch highlight prosperity and divine protection. These coins circulated widely across the Mediterranean, serving as a trusted international currency during the rise of Athenian influence in the Delian League and the Peloponnesian War.



Shipping & Packaging:

Items are packed securely and shipped with Track & Trace. Shipping only within the European Union. No shipping to the USA due to tariffs.

Attica, Athens – Athens mint (modern-day Athens, Greece)
ca. 454–404 BCE

AR Tetradrachm
AR, 15.93 g, 24 mm
About Extremely Fine

Obv. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with olive leaves and floral scroll, with earring and pearl necklace.

Rev. Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig and crescent moon behind; all within incuse square.

Ref. Kroll 8; HGC 4, 1597

Provenance. Solidus Numismatik, Auction 136, Lot 1029 (22.10.2024)

Historical Context:
The Athenian “owl” tetradrachms are among the most iconic coins of the ancient world. Issued during Athens’ Classical height in the 5th century BCE, they symbolized both the city’s power and its cultural identity. Athena, goddess of wisdom and war, represents civic pride, while the owl and olive branch highlight prosperity and divine protection. These coins circulated widely across the Mediterranean, serving as a trusted international currency during the rise of Athenian influence in the Delian League and the Peloponnesian War.



Shipping & Packaging:

Items are packed securely and shipped with Track & Trace. Shipping only within the European Union. No shipping to the USA due to tariffs.

Details

Era
Before 1400
Culture/region
Attica, Athens
Year/Period and Variation
ca. 454–404 BC
Denomination
Tetradrachm
Metal
AR
Condition
Ungraded
Weight
15.93 g
Number of items
1
Theme
History
The NetherlandsVerified
74
Objects sold
100%
Private

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