Attica, Athens Tetradrachm c. 454-404 BC

ANCIENT GREECE – ATTICA, ATHENS

Silver tetradrachm – About 430 BC

Weight: 17.15 g
Metal: Silver
Workshop: Athens

Bibliographic references: Svoronos 40, pl. 15 – Sear GC 2526 – Starr 6, pl. 22 – Flament 40 IIr.

OBVERSE: Anepigraphic

Head of Athena to the right, wearing an Attic crested helmet, adorned with three olive leaves and a palmette. The goddess wears an earring and a necklace.

REVERSE: ΑΘΕ

Owl standing to the right, head facing forward, wings folded. In the upper left field, an olive branch and a crescent moon. All within a recessed square.

CONDITION: TTB+/SUP (estimate based on photographs)

Fine example of this emblematic Athenian coinage. Expressive portrait of Athena, with reliefs well preserved, especially in the helmet, the hair, and the ornaments. The reverse particularly pleasant, featuring a well-detailed owl, with clearly drawn eyes and still precise plumage. Legend ΑΘΕ fully visible.

Thick and irregular flan, showing an old silver-grey patina with darker nuances.