Attyka, Ateny Tetradrachm 454-404 BC

Global Money Week – “From Barter to Banknotes”-Dawn of currency

This coin, the famous Athenian tetradrachm, is not only iconic for its design but also became one of the most widely accepted trade coins of the ancient Mediterranean world. As with many early coinages, the intrinsic value of the silver was closely tied to its face value.

Attica, Athens Tetradrachm 454-404 BC
Obv: head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet ornamented with three olive leaves above visor and spiral palmette on bowl, round earring with central boss, and pearl necklace.
Rev: owl standing right with head facing, olive sprig and crescent behind, ΑΘΕ before; all within incuse square.
Nominal value: Tetradrachm
Material: Silver (AR)
Diameter: 24 mm
Weeight: 17,00 g
Attractive toning
Ref: HGC 4, 1597; Kroll 8; SNG Copenhagen 31

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This lot is part of the thematic auction “From Barter to Banknotes”, organised in celebration of Global Money Week (16–22 March). Global Money Week is an international initiative coordinated by the OECD that promotes financial education and helps young people better understand money, savings, and economic systems.

Through this curated selection of objects - from early trade items and proto-currencies to historic coins and modern banknotes - we explore the fascinating evolution of money and the many forms it has taken across cultures and centuries.