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HOME :
Numismatics :
Miscellaneous : Athenian Tetradrachm
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Athenian Tetradrachm - C.2202
Origin: Mediterranean
Circa: 449
BC
to 413
BC
Collection: Greek Coins
Style: Athenian
$1,800.00
Location: United States
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| Description |
Obverse: Helmeted Head of the Goddess Athena
Reverse: Owl Standing Right
The glories of ancient Athens are well known. From
the ubiquitous photographs of the Parthenon high
upon the Acropolis overlooking the city to the
writings of Plato and Socrates, ancient Athens has
permeated our modern lives. In fact, many
foundations of our modern world have their roots in
Athens, the birthplace of democracy and philosophy.
Athens was a city of orators, whose convincing
arguments would sway the voting populace, made up
of male citizens, to change argument into policy.
Perhaps Athens is so important because it gave a
voice to the individual; that is, if you were qualified to
speak. The transfer of power from the elite to the
masses, a social phenomenon that first flourished in
Athens, would revolutionize the governing structures
of the world for the next two thousand years. In a
way, we are all Athenians. Just looking at architecture
of our nation’s capital proves the lasting impact this
ancient city continues to have today.
How many hands have touched a coin in your pocket
or purse? What eras and lands have the coin
traversed on its journey into our possession? As we
reach into our pockets to pull out some change, we
rarely hesitate to think of who might have touched
the coin before us, or where the coin will venture to
after it leaves our hands. More than money, coins are
a symbol of the state that struck them, of a specific
time and location, whether contemporary currencies
or artifacts of a long forgotten empire. This stunning
hand-struck coin reveals an expertise of
craftsmanship and intricate sculptural detail that is
often lacking in contemporary machine- made
currencies. The helmeted head of Athena, warrior
Goddess of wisdom, graces the obverse of this coin.
She was the mythic protector of Athens and the
source of the city’s name. Her attribute was the owl,
depicted on the reverse of the coin, an animal also
associated with wisdom, perhaps through its relation
with the Goddess. This magnificent coin is a
memorial to the ancient glories of Athens passed
down from the hands of civilization to civilization,
from generation to generation.
- (C.2202)
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