ATTICA. Athens, AR, Tetradrachm. 515 BCE - 482 BCE
Obv: Athena head of right; archaic style.
Rev: ΑΘΕ.
Owl standing, right; head facing, behind olive sprig.
The first era of Athenian owls, coins struck during the Archaic period of Greek art, began about 515 B.C. and continued through the early fifth century. These issues are characterized by their thick, compact planchets and a crude, but visually striking style. Athena, wearing a crested helmet, appears for the first time on the obverse as a crudely executed bust. Athena and her owl are marked by almost cartoonish qualities in both appearance and proportion. Because of this early style, which is also evident in our impressive specimen (Seltman Group E, 'Paeonian mint'), Seltman has argued that such tetradrachms were issues from mints in the Attic or Thracian hinterlands, or Paeonia, where there were less skilled engravers. But this suggestion was disproved.
Ref: Asyut Hoard Group VI; HGC 4, 1591.
Condition: EF.
Weight: 16,74g
Diameter: 20,4mm