closed Athenian Owl Silver Tetradrachms (Circa 454-404 BC)

[MerlinAurelius]

I have a few of these for sale.  Range from ~$250-$750
Purchased from reputable auction houses in Europe.  
Can show invoices upon request.
Contact me for details.

Attica, Athens Tetradrachm (Circa 454-404 BC) .

Obv: Helmeted head of Athena right
Rev: Owl standing right, head facing, olive sprig and crescent to left; all within incuse square.



Condition: Very fine.  Some have test cuts on the reverse.

The Athenian tetradrachm was widely used in transactions throughout the ancient Greek world, including in cities politically unfriendly to Athens. The Athenian tetradrachm was stamped with the head of Athena on the obverse, and on the reverse the image of the owl of Athena, the iconographic symbol of the Athenian polis, with a sprig of olive and a crescent for the moon. According to Philochorus, it was known as glaux (γλαύξ, little owl) throughout the ancient world and "owl" in present-day numismatics. The design was kept essentially unchanged for over two centuries.  The "owls-tetradrachms" available those days mainly from the silver mines of Laurium in Greece financed the several achievements of Athens, such as the reconstruction of the Acropolis, building the Parthenon, as well as many wars, including the Peloponnesian War.