GREECE Silver Coin w/ ATHENS OWL
$367.50 
Mar-01-04

axismundi.com

   Extremely Desirable Genuine 2100+ Year Old Greek Silver 
   Tetradrachm of Athens / Featuring one of the Classical 
   World's Most Recognized Symbols - The Athen's Owl / Also 
   Featuring a Highly Artistic Portrait of the Goddess 
   Athena Wearing a Crested Athenian Helmet Decorated with 
   a Griffin / Unrecorded Variety / Impressive Size, 
   Weight, and Condition / Minted in Athens 152-151 BC

   This truly outstanding coin was minted in Athens between 
   152-151 BC and survives in exceptional condition. This 
   gorgeous example is well struck in high relief and still 
   maintains a beautiful toned luster on both sides which 
   adds to its desirability and value. Our photo does not 
   convey the luster which is so apparent when viewing this 
   coin in person. It features the classic portrait of the 
   goddess Athena Parthenos wearing a triple crested helmet 
   decorated with a griffin and a highly artistic scene is 
   one of the most recognized symbols of the ancient 
   world... the owl, symbol of the Greek city-state of 
   Athens. Adding even more interest is the fact that this 
   example is an unrecorded variety, weighing over 16 grams 
   of silver and about the size of a half dollar. Another 
   historically intriguing feature of this coin is the 
   control letter on the amphora which scholars believe 
   indicates the actual month the coin was minted. There is 
   no question that this coinage represents one of the most 
   respected and important artistic coinages of classical 
   Greek antiquity. 

  Obverse: Head of Athena Parthenos facing right, wearing 
   triple-crested Athenian helmet decorated with a griffin. 

   Reverse: Owl standing right on prostrate amphora, head 
   facing, names of magistrates in field, depiction of two 
   arched serpents to the right. 
   Size: 33 mm ( 1 1/4" )
   Weight: 16.8 grams
   Reference: Thompson 83 ( unrecorded variety )