Tetradrachm: Head of Athena (obverse); Owl (reverse)

449–407 BCE
Diameter: 2.3 cm (7/8 in.)
Weight: 17.107 g (0.6 oz.)
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Did You Know?

The basic design of Athenian tetradrachms is now back in use, on Greek one-Euro coins.

Description

Incorporating the first three letters of the city name—ΑΘΕ—with then-iconic images of the patron goddess Athena and her owl, the Athenian tetradrachm was among the most widely traded and most recognizable coins of the ancient world. The olive leaves on Athena’s helmet and the small crescent moon behind the owl date this coin after the Persian Wars.
Tetradrachm: Head of Athena (obverse); Owl (reverse)

Tetradrachm: Head of Athena (obverse); Owl (reverse)

449–407 BCE

Greek, minted at Athens (Attica)

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