Artwork Page for Tetradrachm: Head of Athena (obverse); Owl (reverse)

Details / Information for Tetradrachm: Head of Athena (obverse); Owl (reverse)

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

449–407 BCE

Greek, minted at Athens

(Attica)
View all records in artwork set
Medium
silver
Measurements
Diameter: 2.3 cm (7/8 in.)
Weight: 17.107 g (0.6 oz.)
Credit Line
Gift of J. H. Wade 1916.992
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 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.
A silver coin is struck with two designs. On our left, Athena's head in profile faces right, wearing a crested helmet decorated with olive leaves, her lips curved slightly upward. On our right, an owl with large circular eyes stands within a deep square indentation, its head turned toward us. An olive sprig and crescent moon sit to the bird's left, while Greek letters ΑΘΕ are stacked vertically along the right edge.

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

449–407 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