Artwork Page for Tetradrachm: Owl (reverse)

Details / Information for Tetradrachm: Owl (reverse)

Tetradrachm: Owl (reverse)

449–407 BCE

Greek, minted at Athens

(Attica)
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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.b
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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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.
A thick silver coin features an owl with wide, circular eyes standing within a deep, square recession. To our upper left, an olive sprig and crescent moon accent the textured field. Three Greek letters, "A," "Θ," and "E," stack vertically on the right. The coin's surface is worn and pitted, with small cracks marking the chunky, irregular border that frames the central design in a coarse, metallic relief.

Tetradrachm: Owl (reverse)

449–407 BCE

Greek, minted at Athens (Attica)

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