ATTICA. Athens. Tetradrachm (145/4 BC). New Style Coinage. Eumareides, Alkidamos and Thoi-, magistrates.

Obv: Head of Athena Parthenos right, wearing triple crested Attic helmet decorated with Pegasos and floral pattern.
Rev: A - ΘΕ / EYM / APEI / ΔHΣ / AΛKI / ΔAM / ΘOI.
Owl standing right, head facing, on amphora; to right, Tritpolemos driving biga of serpents left; uncertain control below; all within wreath.

Thompson 669-71; HGC 4, 1602.

Among the Greek poleis, Athens is undoubtedly the city that denotes the greatest monetary development. The earliest coinage followed the reforms attributed to Solon on the introduction of Attic weights to replace the Eginetic ones. These early coins, called "Wappenmünzen," were replaced by the "owls" at the end of the 6th century: tetradrachms marked with the head of Athena and the owl, next to which is now the ethnic of the Athenians. These types will last, with variations in style, until the end of silver production (c. mid-1st century). The most noticeable change occurs with the so-called "new style," established from the beginning of the 2nd century BC. In these issues the owl is surrounded by an olive wreath, which is why the tetradrachms are referred to in the inscriptions as "stephanephoroi" (= wreath bearers). Coins of new style also bear inscriptions with the names of magistrates.

Condition: Good very fine.

Weight: 16.85 g.
Diameter: 29 mm.