Attica. Athens circa 165-42 BC. ΠΟΛΕΜΩΝ (Polemon), ΑΛΚΕΤΗΣ (Alketes), ΠATP- (Patr-), magistrates
Tetradrachm AR. New Style Coinage

28 mm, 16,46 g

Head of Athena Parthenos to right, wearing necklace, pendent earring, and triple-crested Attic helmet decorated with the protomes of four horses above the visor, a Pegasos in flight rightward above the raised earpiece, all within border of dots / A-ӨE ΠΟΛΕ-ΜΩΝ ΑΛΚΕ-ΤΗΣ ΠATP, owl standing right, head facing, on Panathenaic amphora, tripod in left field, uncertain letter on amphora, ΣΩ below, all within olive-wreath.

Very Fine

Cf. Thompson 464-7 (for prototype); HGC 4, 1602.

Athena Parthenos, meaning "Athena the Virgin," was a colossal chryselephantine (gold and ivory) statue of the Greek goddess Athena, created by the renowned sculptor Phidias. It was one of the most famous and revered works of ancient Greek art, housed in the Parthenon on the Acropolis of Athens. The statue stood approximately 12 meters (around 40 feet) tall and was crafted around 438 BC. Athena was depicted wearing a helmet, holding a shield adorned with scenes from Greek mythology, and wielding a spear. She was also adorned with aegis, a protective cloak, and a peplos, a long garment. Athena Parthenos was considered a symbol of wisdom, courage, and civilization, embodying the ideals of the city-state of Athens. The statue served as the centerpiece of the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to Athena, and was the focus of religious ceremonies and rituals. Unfortunately, the original statue no longer exists, and its exact appearance is known only from descriptions and depictions on ancient coins and other artworks. However, its influence and significance endure in the annals of art history and Greek mythology, representing the pinnacle of classical sculpture and the embodiment of Athena's divine attributes.