Ancient Greek, Hellenistic Lead Ancient Greek Lead Tessera Depicting Athena – Apparently Unpublished Type
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 280 - € 350
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Ancient Greek lead tessera depicting Athena, circa 3rd–1st century BC, 13.8 × 13.8 mm, thickness 1.2 mm, weight 1.3 g, possibly unpublished type.
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Description from the seller
Ancient Greek Lead Tessera Depicting Athena – Apparently Unpublished Type
Hellenistic Period, circa 3rd–1st century BC
Material: Lead
Weight: 1.3 g
Dimensions: 13.8 × 13.8 mm
Thickness: 1.2 mm
A very rare Ancient Greek lead tessera depicting Athena, one of the most celebrated and powerful goddesses of the ancient Greek world. This fascinating miniature artefact combines exceptional mythological significance with the distinctive character of an ancient lead token.
The tessera features a representation of Athena, the revered goddess of wisdom, strategic warfare, courage and divine protection. Its compact circular form, ancient surface and surviving figural design give this remarkable object a particularly evocative appearance.
Athena – Divine Protector of Ancient Greece:
Athena occupied an extraordinary position in Greek religion and society. As the patron goddess of Athens, she symbolised wisdom, military strategy, craftsmanship and the protection of civilisation.
Her image was closely associated with divine authority, civic identity and the safeguarding of communities. Throughout the Greek world, representations of Athena appeared on coins, seals, votive offerings and objects connected with religious and civic life.
The presence of Athena on this lead tessera gives the object a fascinating connection to the spiritual and cultural traditions of the ancient Greek world.
A Remarkable and Possibly Unique Ancient Token:
Ancient Greek lead tesserae represent an especially intriguing category of archaeological material. These small objects were used in various aspects of civic, religious and social life, including systems of identification, distribution and participation.
The present example is distinguished by its miniature dimensions, characteristic ancient patina and individual appearance.
Of particular interest is its distinctive outline, including a small V-shaped indentation along the edge. Together with the surviving Athena representation, these characteristics make the tessera an appealing object for specialised collectors.
Exceptional Rarity and Collectible Significance:
It seems that this example belongs to an exceptionally small surviving group, or may even prove to be a unique recorded specimen.
Beyond its potential rarity, the tessera offers a captivating connection to the mythology, religious beliefs and everyday institutions of Ancient Greece.
An outstanding addition to a specialised collection of Ancient Greek tesserae, mythological artefacts and classical antiquities.
A very rare and historically fascinating piece, potentially representing an unpublished and possibly unique variety of an Ancient Greek Athena tessera.
I prove that the lot was obtained legally , provenance statement seen by Catawiki
Important information. I guarantee that I am entitled to ship this lot.
I will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
I will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
Ancient Greek Lead Tessera Depicting Athena – Apparently Unpublished Type
Hellenistic Period, circa 3rd–1st century BC
Material: Lead
Weight: 1.3 g
Dimensions: 13.8 × 13.8 mm
Thickness: 1.2 mm
A very rare Ancient Greek lead tessera depicting Athena, one of the most celebrated and powerful goddesses of the ancient Greek world. This fascinating miniature artefact combines exceptional mythological significance with the distinctive character of an ancient lead token.
The tessera features a representation of Athena, the revered goddess of wisdom, strategic warfare, courage and divine protection. Its compact circular form, ancient surface and surviving figural design give this remarkable object a particularly evocative appearance.
Athena – Divine Protector of Ancient Greece:
Athena occupied an extraordinary position in Greek religion and society. As the patron goddess of Athens, she symbolised wisdom, military strategy, craftsmanship and the protection of civilisation.
Her image was closely associated with divine authority, civic identity and the safeguarding of communities. Throughout the Greek world, representations of Athena appeared on coins, seals, votive offerings and objects connected with religious and civic life.
The presence of Athena on this lead tessera gives the object a fascinating connection to the spiritual and cultural traditions of the ancient Greek world.
A Remarkable and Possibly Unique Ancient Token:
Ancient Greek lead tesserae represent an especially intriguing category of archaeological material. These small objects were used in various aspects of civic, religious and social life, including systems of identification, distribution and participation.
The present example is distinguished by its miniature dimensions, characteristic ancient patina and individual appearance.
Of particular interest is its distinctive outline, including a small V-shaped indentation along the edge. Together with the surviving Athena representation, these characteristics make the tessera an appealing object for specialised collectors.
Exceptional Rarity and Collectible Significance:
It seems that this example belongs to an exceptionally small surviving group, or may even prove to be a unique recorded specimen.
Beyond its potential rarity, the tessera offers a captivating connection to the mythology, religious beliefs and everyday institutions of Ancient Greece.
An outstanding addition to a specialised collection of Ancient Greek tesserae, mythological artefacts and classical antiquities.
A very rare and historically fascinating piece, potentially representing an unpublished and possibly unique variety of an Ancient Greek Athena tessera.
I prove that the lot was obtained legally , provenance statement seen by Catawiki
Important information. I guarantee that I am entitled to ship this lot.
I will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
I will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
Details
Culture
Ancient Greek, Hellenistic
Century/timeframe
circa 3rd–1st century BC
Name of object
Ancient Greek Lead Tessera Depicting Athena – Apparently Unpublished Type
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2026
Material
Lead
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Previous owner - country acquired from
Netherlands
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
