English
Español
X
Historical Background
Attica. Athens. Tetradrachm. 485 BC. (Cf. Seltman-'Paeonian mint' group E). (Svoronos-pl. 2). (Hgc-4, 1591). Anv.: Archaic head of Athena right, wearing crested helmet. Rev.: Owl standing to right with head facing, olive sprig behind, ΑΘΕ before; all within incuse square. . 16,18 g. The famous Athenian 'owl' tetradrachm, unquestionably one of the most influential coins of all time, used a basic design that would remain unchanged for nearly five hundred years, be extensively copied throughout the Mediterranean, and is today, as it was then, emblematic of Greek culture.
The quality of the engraving on the early owl tetradrachms varies greatly, from the sublime to some which are very crude indeed. This disparity led Seltman to propose that those tetradrachms of fine style were issues from a 'civic' mint in Athens, while those such as the present piece exhibiting little talent on the part of the engravers emanated from mints in the Attic or Thracian hinterlands, or Paeonia, though this has subsequently been disproven. Almost VF. Est...500,00.
Auction Lots
Confirm your maximum bid
Confirm your maximum bid
Loading…
Conecting
Are you sure you want to buy the lot?
X
Confirm your maximum bid
Conecting
