Ancient Greece (Attica) Athens Silver Tetradrachm 454-404 BC BC Owl Extremely Fine
We Last Sold This Item For: | $2,300.00 |
---|---|
Last Sold On: | 1/6/2024 |
# Sold In Past 12 Months: | 1 |
Ancient Greece (Attica) Athens Silver Tetradrachm 454-404 BC Owl Extremely Fine
Obverse: Helmeted head of Athena to 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
Reverse: Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig, berry and small crescent in upper field; AOE to right; all within an incuse square. The owl's tail is a single prong.
Reference Numbers: Kroll 8; Dewing 1591-8; SNG Copenhagen 31; HGC 4, 1597.
Diameter: 25.00mm | Weight: 17.22g
This is a handsome example of one of the most famous coins of the ancient era.
The most famous coins from ancient Athens, and the most popular among collectors, are the silver tetradrachms featuring a helmeted Athena on the obverse, with a standing owl on the reverse, first introduced late in the sixth century.
These designs became a hallmark of the city, and with progressive stylistic variations over time, were seen on Athenian coinage for more than 400 years. Although Greek art changed dramatically over that period, this pair of designs persisted.
The Myth and History of Ancient Athens
Athens was inhabited in prehistoric times and was a relatively defensible city due to its prominent hills. It did not become a major centre until the time of Peisistratus and his sons (560-514 BC), but soon after blossomed as a metropolis of the first rank.
According to myth, the city was given to Athena as patroness and protectress when a contest with Poseidon left her the victor. The gods decreed that the one who produced the gift most useful to man would possess the city. Poseidon struck the ground and created a well of seawater. Athena, making the olive tree spring from the ground, was awarded the prize.
Athens became the centre of classical culture as well as a great metropolis and military power. Having been burnt by the Persians during the Persian War in 480 BC, however, Athens needed rebuilding and the necessary public works fueled great prosperity. Under the leadership of Perikles splendid monuments were commissioned. The greatest of all these projects was the decoration of the Parthenon, which was placed under the supervision of Pheidias - perhaps the greatest sculptor of all time. The Athenian pottery industry was particularly successful, and Athenian-painted vases were highly valued throughout the Mediterranean. Science, philosophy and the performing arts also flourished, and many of the great literary works which we consider the "classics" were written during this period.
Within a half-century, fortunes had reversed - financial devastation followed the Peloponnesian War (431- 404 BC), and nearly ruined the city.
The period between these two wars was a golden age that few cultures have eclipsed. Despite the city's great losses, it remained important in Roman times.
Ranking Athenian Tetradrachms
Athenian tetradrachms range in collector appeal and value depending on the period they were struck in, the style of the designs on either side and the quality they remain in.
This particular "owl" has a pleasing style, has been struck fairly well-centred on both sides and remains in attractive condition.
Importantly, Athena's face is intact on the obverse, and a hint of the crest on her helmet is visible on the left-hand rim. All of the design elements on the reverse are visible.
It remains a handsome example of one of the most famous coins of the ancient era.
SKU: 19358
Browse our catalog of Archaic Greece below:
Coin Name | Reverse | Obverse | Price | Status | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ancient Greece (Attica) Athens Silver Tetradrachm 454-404 BC BC Owl Extremely Fine |
![]() |
![]() |
$2,300.00 Last sold for this price on 1/6/2024 |
Sold |
More Details
Looking to sell? |
Ancient Greece (Attica) Athens Silver Tetradrachm 454-404 BC Owl about EF |
![]() |
![]() |
$1,950.00 Last sold for this price on 14/6/2024 |
Sold |
More Details
Looking to sell? |
Ancient Greece (Attica, Athens) 454 ~ 405BC Silver Tetradrachm Kroll# 8 good VF |
![]() |
![]() |
$1,750.00 Last sold for this price on 2/11/2019 |
Sold |
More Details
Looking to sell? |
More From This Category
![Google Customer Reviews](/assets/themes/kee-main/img/google_customerreviews.png?1725619945)
![Customer Avatar](https://www.sterlingcurrency.com.au/assets/files/placeholder.png)
I've taken my coins to Andrew a few times. Him and his staff are very nice people. Andrew is honest and down to earth. 👍
![Customer Avatar](https://www.sterlingcurrency.com.au/assets/files/brandon.png)
I have purchased several bulk lots of world coins from Sterling & Currency over the last few years. Read more...
![Customer Avatar](https://www.sterlingcurrency.com.au/assets/files/gj.png)
I live on East Coast but prefer dealing with Andrew on the West due to his integrity, knowledge and prices, Read more...
![Customer Avatar](https://www.sterlingcurrency.com.au/assets/files/liz.png)
Just purchased a 1966 blue case decimal mint set. Andrew gave me a ring to ensure it had arrived and provided Read more...
![](https://www.sterlingcurrency.com.au/assets/images/IMG_6905(1).jpg)
The team at Sterling & Currency is a family affair – small but growing. Andrew Crellin is the main dealer in the business, click here to read this credentials and how he started with the Perth Mint; spent a decade in Sydney working with two leading dealers and relocated back to Perth in 2006.
Jo is our budding Numismatist, Chief Event officer, Photographer and Packing Extraordinaire. Natalie is our media creator and photographer. Nicole manages the accounts and is part of the Packing Team. A myriad of important duties are carried out by the team that include photography, website updates, office admin, and chocolate eating.
Ruby the Ridgeback quite frankly has learned nothing about coins, however contributes by barking at anyone wearing hi-viz.
We're Always Buying!
We need to buy tens of thousands of dollars worth of coins and notes each and every week of the year.
If you'd like to turn all or part of your collection into cash, get in touch with our expert staff and we'll be happy to start working on a deal with you.
Australian Gold Coins
We have extensive experience in handling all Australian gold soveriegns and halves, from the Adelaide Pounds of 1852 right through to the last coins of George V of 1931. All of the Australian gold coins in our online shop are described in detail with high resolution images.
Coins
At Sterling & Currency, we specialize in handling Australian coins dating from our nation's settlement in 1788 through to the introduction of decimal currency in 1966. We have an extensive range in our online store of Australian gold, copper and silver coins.
Decimal Coins
The Australian proof and UNC coins struck by the Perth Mint and the Royal Australian Mint are the most accessible coins available to collectors today. If you're not able to find a particular coin that you're keen to add to your collection, let us know and we'll be contact you when it becomes available.