Athenian Owl Tetradrachms

The Athenian Owl Tetradrachms were thick, heavy, high-relief silver coins minted from as early as the sixth century BCE until 99 BCE, a period of more than 450 years. They may be the most influential coin ever produced.

Many aspects of the coins changed over the centuries in which they were produced. To tell the different types apart, they are classifed by the period in which the styles were made.  Although the exact dates of the when each style was made is uncertainthe generally accepted description of the major ones are as follows:

Subject ID: 182474

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The Athenian Owl Tetradrachms were thick, heavy, high-relief silver coins minted from as early as the sixth century BCE until 99 BCE, a period of more than 450 years. They may be the most influential coin ever produced.

Many aspects of the coins changed over the centuries in which they were produced. To tell the different types apart, they are classifed by the period in which the styles were made.  Although the exact dates of the when each style was made is uncertainthe generally accepted description of the major ones are as follows:

 

• Archaic: Minted starting about the mid sixth century BCE.  The obverse of these coins features the head of Athens' patron goddess, Athena wearing an Attic helmet. The reverse depicts an owl facing right with an olive branch above it and the legend AΘE.
• Classical: Produced starting around 465 BCE.  The classical style includes the addition of a crescent moon above the owl on the reverse.
• Late Classical: Produced sometime after Athens was defeated by Sparta in 404 BCE, probably 393 BCE. They were generally smaller than the classical style and Athena was given a more natural appearance.
• New:  Starting around 165 BCE. These were wider and thinner than previous styles and the reverse was changed significantly.

Today the Athenian owl tetradrachms is probably the most widely recognized ancient coin.  Their beauty and history make them among the most sought-after coins in collectors' circles but, because so many were minted, they are one of the more common ancient coins available.

It is said that President Teddy Roosevelt carried an Athenian Owl as a lucky piece and that it inspired him to redesign US coinage.

Subject ID: 182474

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