★ late archaic look ★

Attica. Athens. Circa 449-404 BC. AR Tetradrachm (25,6 mm, 17.2 g.), mid 440s. Head of Athena to right, wearing crested Attic helmet adorned with three olive leaves and palmette, round earring and pearl necklace. Rev. ΑΘΕ Owl standing right, head facing; behind, olive spray and crescent moon; all within incuse square. Cf. Svoronos pl. 11, 2. A particularly lovely example, powerfully struck on a very broad flan and with a wonderful portrait of Athena. Some striking cracks (the flan cracks, which are often defects), albeit not affecting the coin which is still very attractive and almost Extremely Fine.