Obverse: Helmeted Head of Athena Parthenos
Reverse: Owl Standing on an Amphora Surrounded by an Olive Wreath
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 long forgotten empires. 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.
