Ancient Greece Silver Coin Athenian Owl Silver Tetradrachm, 440–404 BCE

Own a true museum-quality example of one of the most popular and sought-after of all ancient Greek coins. This authentic mint state "as struck" Athenian Owl silver tetradrachm is both a 2,400-year-old work of art and a rare collectible that tells an intriguing story about the rise of Western civilization. The coin comes presented in a custom display that allows a view of both sides of the silver tetradrachm, together with a certificate of authenticity.

This coin features exceptional high-relief images on both sides and is one of the first coins ever to feature any type of detailed designs on both sides. The boldly engraved and deeply struck female image is of Athena, the patron goddess of Athens. The other side features an intricately engraved owl based on the coat-of-arms of the city of Athens. The image includes an olive sprig and a crescent-shaped moon. As every coin was struck by hand and the original dies lasted for only a short time, every coin is slightly different. 

While the silver drachm denomination was the primary unit of exchange in the ancient world, Athens created this type of tetradrachm (four drachms) to facilitate large transactions and to pay for extraordinary building projects and military efforts. Similar coins helped to finance the huge fleet that repelled the Persian invasion of 480–479 and then allowed Athens to extend its growing power throughout the Aegean and eastern Mediterranean. This was the golden age of Athens, sometimes referred to as the Age of Pericles. Coins like this were used to pay skilled workers who built most of the important structures on the Acropolis, including the Parthenon, and they were an integral part of the thriving economy that fostered unprecedented development of the arts and literature and the growth of democracy.  

Includes:
• Mint State as Struck Ancient Greek Athena and Owl Tetradrachm