Attica, Athens Tetradrachm c. 430-420 av. J.-C.

ATTICA – ATHENS

Silver tetradrachm – Circa 430–420 BC

Weight: 17.21 g
Metal: Silver (Ag)
Workshop: Athens, Attica
Period: 5th century BC
Condition: Superb (SUP)

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

REVERSE:
Owl standing to the right, head facing front, wings folded. Behind it, an olive branch and a crescent moon. To the right, the Greek legend ΑΘΕ (abbreviation for Athens). All within the remaining outlines of a hollow square.

REFERENCES:
Svoronos 13, pl. 17 ; Sear GC 2526 (typological references).

COMMENTARY:
Very fine specimen of this famous 5th-century BC Athenian coinage, displaying a particularly expressive portrait of Athena, with well-preserved relief. The reverse offers a finely detailed owl, characteristic of Athens’ classical issues.

Iconic coin symbolizing the economic and commercial power of Athens in the Periclean era.