Attica, Athens Tetradrachm 454-404 a.C.
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Athens, Attica silver tetradrachm (AR) circa 454–404 BC, weight about 17 g, denomination 4 drachmas, in uncertified condition, obverse with Athena’s head to the right and ornate helmet, reverse with an owl and olive sprig, described as magnificent with high relief and attractive patina.
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Description from the seller
Athens, Attica - Silver tetradrachm (AR) - c. 454–404 B.C. - "Owl" - AU (Almost Uncirculated)
Obverse: Head of the goddess Athena facing right, with features transitioning from the archaic to the classical style. Wears an Attic crested helmet, ornamented with three olive leaves on the visor and a spiral palmette. Wearing a circular earring and a pearl necklace.
Reverse: Owl (glauka) standing to the right with the head facing forward. Behind, an olive sprig with two leaves and a fruit, accompanied by a crescent moon. In front, inscription with the Greek letters ΑΘΕ (ATHE, "of the Athenians"). All framed within the characteristic deep incuse square.
Technical data:
Epoch / Period: Classical Greece (Period: ca. 454–404 B.C.).
Mint: Athens (Attica).
Face value: Tetradrachm (4 Drachmas).
Material: High-purity silver (AR).
Weight: approx. 17.17 g.
Catalogue references: HGC 4, 1597; Kroll 8.
General condition: Magnificent specimen. Exhibits exceptionally high and sharp relief both on Athena’s face and on the owl’s plumage. Integrity of the design: The coin stands out for being completely intact in its key elements. Unlike many tetradrachms of the era that often suffer from mis-struck issues, on this obverse the almond-shaped eye, the outlined lips, and much of the helmet design are fully visible. On the reverse, the owl, olive sprig, crescent, and the legend ΑΘΕ are completely visible and crisply engraved within the incuse square. Surface: Attractive antique patina with subtle natural dark iridescences around the reliefs that enhance its three-dimensional volume. The metal appears dense, compact, and free of aggressive test cuts (test cuts), which adds great numismatic value to the piece.
Athens, Attica - Silver tetradrachm (AR) - c. 454–404 B.C. - "Owl" - AU (Almost Uncirculated)
Obverse: Head of the goddess Athena facing right, with features transitioning from the archaic to the classical style. Wears an Attic crested helmet, ornamented with three olive leaves on the visor and a spiral palmette. Wearing a circular earring and a pearl necklace.
Reverse: Owl (glauka) standing to the right with the head facing forward. Behind, an olive sprig with two leaves and a fruit, accompanied by a crescent moon. In front, inscription with the Greek letters ΑΘΕ (ATHE, "of the Athenians"). All framed within the characteristic deep incuse square.
Technical data:
Epoch / Period: Classical Greece (Period: ca. 454–404 B.C.).
Mint: Athens (Attica).
Face value: Tetradrachm (4 Drachmas).
Material: High-purity silver (AR).
Weight: approx. 17.17 g.
Catalogue references: HGC 4, 1597; Kroll 8.
General condition: Magnificent specimen. Exhibits exceptionally high and sharp relief both on Athena’s face and on the owl’s plumage. Integrity of the design: The coin stands out for being completely intact in its key elements. Unlike many tetradrachms of the era that often suffer from mis-struck issues, on this obverse the almond-shaped eye, the outlined lips, and much of the helmet design are fully visible. On the reverse, the owl, olive sprig, crescent, and the legend ΑΘΕ are completely visible and crisply engraved within the incuse square. Surface: Attractive antique patina with subtle natural dark iridescences around the reliefs that enhance its three-dimensional volume. The metal appears dense, compact, and free of aggressive test cuts (test cuts), which adds great numismatic value to the piece.
Details
Era
Before 1400
Culture/region
Attica, Athens
Year/period and variation
454-404 a.C.
Denomination
Tetradrachm
Metal
AR
Condition
Ungraded
Weight
17 g
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