The offered tetradrachm is one of the most recognizable ancient coins. In the 5th century BC, especially in its second half, the Athenian drachmas and tetradrachms were an accepted currency in the entire Mediterranean basin and in large parts of the Middle East, playing the role of the then dollar. The style of these "owls" from the 5th century BC throughout the century was maintained in an archaic manner with the Athena en face, an "archaic" smile, and on the reverse with a clearly marked concave square (incusum). It was only after the defeat of the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BC), when Athens began to rebuild its democracy from 401/400 BC, the coin that was restored at that time showed an image of Athena in profile consistent with the canon of classical art, and the incusum disappeared, which is clearly visible in the presented specimen.
Greece
Attica, Athens, Tetradrachm 350-300 BC
Obverse: head of Athena to right wearing helmet
Reverse: owl standing to right, head facing, in erect posture, olive twig and crescent behind, ΑΘΕ to right
Weight 15,80 g
