Artwork Page for Tetradrachm: Owl, Crescent Moon, Olive Branch (reverse)

Details / Information for Tetradrachm: Owl, Crescent Moon, Olive Branch (reverse)

Tetradrachm: Owl, Crescent Moon, Olive Branch (reverse)

480–449 BCE

Greek, minted at Athens

(Attica)
View all records in artwork set
Medium
silver
Measurements
Diameter: 2.4 cm (15/16 in.)
Weight: 17.237 g (0.61 oz)
Credit Line
Gift of Harold W. Parsons 1920.267.b
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print
?

Did You Know?

The three letters—ΑΘΕ—mark this as an Athenian coin.

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.
A thick silver coin features a raised owl central to the composition, its large eyes facing forward while its body angles left. On our left, an olive branch and small crescent moon occupy the border. On our right, the Greek letters "A", "Θ", and "E" stack vertically. The irregular disk shows a dark patina in deep recesses, contrasting with the worn metallic surface that softens the owl's textured, feathered details.

Tetradrachm: Owl, Crescent Moon, Olive Branch (reverse)

480–449 BCE

Greek, minted at Athens (Attica)

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork