Athena / Owl

Athens (Attica) - Tetradrachm (4 Drachm)
Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves and palmette.
Owl standing right with head facing; closed tail feathers; olive spray and crescent to left; AΘE right; all within incuse square.

Description

Obverse: Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves and palmette.
Reverse: Owl standing right with head facing; closed tail feathers; olive spray and crescent to left; AΘE right; all within incuse square.

It has an attractive deep iridescent tone, that is unfortunately not replicated in the pictures at all. Honestly though, not sure if I really wanted an owl tetradrachm. I mostly collect fractionals (and from Sicily espescially) so this is a bit random. Mostly just bought it as everyone buys an owl tetradrachm, but it is a great specimen.

Details

CompositionSilver
IssuerAthens
Ruling AuthorityUnknown
Period of Issue454 BC - 404 BC
Weight17.9 g
Diameter26 mm
Orientation
↑↑
10h
DenominationTetradrachm (4 Drachm)
StandardAttic Drachm
ReferencesKroll #8; HGC 4 #1597

Numista Reference

Provenance

LocationDescriptionDate
United States
Classical Numismatic Group, Electronic Auction 573 - Lot 200
Oct 23, 2024
United States
Lelouch Collection
Current