ATTICA. Athens. Circa 460-454 BC. Tetradrachm (Silver, 22.41 mm, 16.98 g) Late “transitional issue”. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with floral motif and palmette sets on stems, earring and necklace. Rev. ΑΘΕ vertical to right. Owl standing facing, slightly leaning right, olive branch and crescent to left, all within incuse square. Starr pl. XXII, 1. Kroll 8. HGC 4, 1596. Pleasant toning. Extremely Fine.
This specimen, belonging to Starr group V, was most probably minted before the mass production of owls that began around 454 BC.