Attica. Athens circa 454-404 BC.
Tetradrachm AR

25 mm, 17,11 g

Helmeted head of Athena right, with frontal eye / AΘE, Owl standing right, head facing; olive spray and crescent to left; all within incuse square.

Very Fine

Kroll 8; HGC 4, 1597.

The owl, intimately entwined with the persona of the Greek goddess Athena, carries profound symbolism and intriguing facets in mythology and cultural history. As the goddess of wisdom, Athena adopted the owl as one of her sacred symbols, endowing it with the profound emblematic role of representing wisdom and foresight. The owl, particularly the Little Owl (Athene noctua), became synonymous with Athena, often depicted perched on her shoulder or accompanying her in artistic representations. The owl's symbolic significance extended to the aegis, a protective cloak or shield associated with Athena. Adorned with the head of the Gorgon Medusa and featuring an owl, the aegis underscored the goddess's protective and strategic attributes. In the realm of currency, the owl became an enduring feature on ancient Athenian coinage, known as the "owl drachma." This coin, adorned with Athena's owl, became a widely circulated and recognized currency, emphasizing the lasting impact of the owl as a symbol. The nocturnal nature of the owl, associated with darkness and mystery, further contributed to its symbolism. It was believed that Athena's owl possessed the ability to unveil hidden truths in the obscurity of the night. The owl's representation of stealth, silent flight, and keen hunting abilities also aligned with Athena's strategic warfare prowess. These qualities became emblematic of the goddess's approach to military endeavors, adding layers of depth to the owl's symbolism.