An extremely fine Athenian silver tetradrachm coin set in an elegant, sterling silver, swivel frame. The swivel, featuring twisted wire decorations, allows the wearer of the pendant to show the desired face of the coin. The coin’s obverse depicts the profile head of Athena facing right, wearing a crested Attic helmet, ornamented with three laurel leaves and vine scroll. The reverse displays an owl standing and facing right with his body, face frontal, with the inscription in Ancient Greek letters ΑΘΕ on its right. An olive spring and crescent moon behind to the left, all within an incuse square. A wonderful piece for everyday wear. Please note, the chain is not included and is for reference only. The inscription in Ancient Greek letters ΑΘΕ is an abbreviation of the word ΑΘΗΝΑΙΩΝ, which can be translated as “of the Athenians”. In everyday use this type of coins was called glaukes, γλαῦκες, meaning owls. This silver coin was first issued in 479 BC in Athens after the Greek victory at the battle of Plataea. Scholars are still debating about the origin of the association of the owl with the goddess Athena, and therefore the city. Some say it might be because some characteristics of owls—such as their ability to see in the dark, could be interpreted as a symbol of wisdom, hence linking them to the goddess. Others say that it’s simply because the region where Athens was founded had a significant number of little owls. In any case, the city adopted the owl as proof of allegiance to its patron goddess. Provenance: Ex. European coin collection, 1990s. Dimensions: W 3.5cm x H 4cm. (Dimensions are of the pendant as a whole, including the swivel attachment)