Sicily, Syracuse AR 1.25 Litra. Time of Hieron II, 275-215 BC. 

Obv: Head of Artemis right, quiver at shoulder 
Rev: SYPAKOSION, owl standing facing on branch, A to left. 

Diameter 11mm, weight 1.09g.

SNG ANS 906, SNG Cop 884.

According to "Owls" by Cynthia Berger, on Google Books,

"The Greek ruler Agathokles of Syracuse is said to have defeated the 
Carthaginians in 310 BC by capitalizing on the connection between owls and 
the warrior goddess [Pallas Athena].  As the story goes, he captured a large 
number of owls, then released them over his assembled troops. The birds, 
looking for perching posts, settled on the men's helmets, giving them the 
confidence to win the day."


Image contributed by Geoffrey Bard, July, 2007.