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Tetradrachm: Owl, standing, r., crescent moon and olive branch above (reverse)

449–440 BCE
(Attica)
silver
Diameter: 2.3 cm (7/8 in.)
Weight: 17.2 g (0.607 oz.)
Gift of Dr. Jacob Hirsch 1941.296.b
Location: not on view
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Did You Know?

The images of Athena on the obverse and her owl here unmistakably identify this coin as Athenian.

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 three of these coins after the Persian Wars.
Tetradrachm: Owl, standing, r., crescent moon and olive branch above (reverse)

Tetradrachm: Owl, standing, r., crescent moon and olive branch above (reverse)

449–440 BCE

Greek, minted at Athens (Attica)

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