Greek Coin. Tetradrachm of Athens. c. 454-404 BC.
Production date
Circa 454 BCE-404 BCE
Country
Greece
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Object detail
Description
Obv: Athena, crested Attic helmet, three olive leaves and spiral palmette, wearing round earring, central boss. Rev: Owl standing to right, head facing, olive sprig and crescent behind, AΘE before; all within incuse square
Classification
NUMISMATICS (COINS AND TOKENS) Ancient Greek Coins
Production date
Circa 454 BCE-404 BCE
Production place
Measurements
24mm (diameter)
6mm (thickness)
17gm (weight)
6mm (thickness)
17gm (weight)
Media/Materials description
silver
Signature/Marks
AΘE
History and use
This tetradrachm was minted by Athens to celebrate Athens’ victory during the Greco-Persian Wars and help rebuild the city’s walls. The obverse depicts the goddess of wisdom and Athens, Athena, wearing a crested Attic helmet and round earring. The reverse features an owl with an olive branch and crescent behind, with the identifying legend AΘE (“Athenians”). The olive branch is symbolic of Athens’ origins and the ‘name-giving contest,’ in which Athena gave the Athenians an olive tree.
History is contained in the designs and the imagery on coins were used as an opportunity to send messages concerning power, ideology, commemoration, and to bestow honour. Yet, more than that, coins are also dynamic items of material culture. They are small, portable and durable, and have been used for millennia to enable the transaction of goods and services. Coins are also part of everyday life, and unlike other items of material culture, tend not to have one owner; indeed, each coin has been passed through multiple people’s hands through time.
History is contained in the designs and the imagery on coins were used as an opportunity to send messages concerning power, ideology, commemoration, and to bestow honour. Yet, more than that, coins are also dynamic items of material culture. They are small, portable and durable, and have been used for millennia to enable the transaction of goods and services. Coins are also part of everyday life, and unlike other items of material culture, tend not to have one owner; indeed, each coin has been passed through multiple people’s hands through time.
Registration number
N2385
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